New horse - teething troubles or more?

[Blythe Spirit]

I bought a nice mare about 7 weeks ago. All going well when during otherwise uneventful schooling session I asked for canter and she jibbed and stood up with me (about half height) when she landed I asked calmly for walk trot then canter again and got a somewhat crabby canter. She threatened to do the same in the same spot once again I just used my voice and she went on. I worked for another 5 /10 mins in walk and trot no major issues but not at her best, then went home. Up till then she had schooled very sweetly 3 ish times a week and hacked happily in company and a bit stickily alone but no standing up.*

I bought her as suitable for a child or novice though I am in fact a decent and experienced rider but I just wanted a fun little horse to ride and school on - not a project as such.*

I had 5 stage vetting done and vet did mention she was one sided. But passed her for general riding purposes. I had been working on her weaknesses and her canter work had improved every session. As has straightness and understanding of basic lateral aids. I ride for about 30 mins a session without tiring her. She is a sweet and fast learner.*

The horse is very ear/poll shy. She rests a hind leg almost always if not being ridden and will rest it literally as soon as you dismount. Her legs frount and back fill when stabled - which concerns me as she is only 7. Also when you move her over in the stable she drags her hinds as if she finds it hard to lift them unless you really sush her. However when ridden she is generally forward and her trot work is very nice. She is generally responsive with a very nice mouth. when I bought her she was being ridden in a broken saddle which I knew (though owners, who had bought her 8 months ago to sell, refused to accept this) But I replaced saddle the first day I had her using professional saddle fitter. She was instantly better in canter and was instantly more forward than when I tried her.*

As her rear was so out of character - from what I knew of her so far. I decided to get vet to take a look then saddler before deciding this is temperament not pain.*

I am as competent as the previous rider - better on the flat though not so good over jumps (not that i have yet jumped her) and I have brought on several green 5/6 year old honest enough *horses without getting into deep water. Also this is the first and only time she has shown any serious resistance to me she was happy off leg and happy to hand until that moment....*

Any thoughts? Pain or temperament? Do you think the sellers knew there was a problem? I didn't really want a horse that reared when being schooled even occasionally! I can sit it well enough it's just not the kind of thing I enjoy which is why I tried to under rather than over horse myself.*

 

[BillyBob-Sleigh]

I would get her back checked. Chances are if she is one sided that the saddle would have been causing her discomfort for quite some time and go from there...

 

[Meowy Catkin]

BBS's advice is good.

You prevented her from rearing again using just your voice, so it wasn't a big deal. She may never, ever rear again. Remember, every horse on the planet (unless it's at death's door) is capable of rearing, given the right circumstances.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I'm not quite sure from your OP whether the vet has seen her since the purchase. If not, that would be the first thing to do IMO, probably followed by physio. She has had a broken saddle and is one-sided, with ear/poll problems. It is almost inevitable that she has back pain, which may well be worse now that she is being expected to work correctly.

 

[Farcical1]

Have sent you a pm.

 

[Blythe Spirit]

Thanks all - no my vet has not seen her since the vetting - he is coming tomorrow so we will see. After that the saddler as she has changed shape surprisingly much in 7 weeks actually. She was rather plump and is now slimmer and more toned. I dont know of any good back people locally (just a few who talk nonsense to novices for money) thanks for PM farcical 1 sadly not in your area!