Ok work this one out.....

Berkeley

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Ok I will briefly diarise the following events:

Saturday - new sabre bridle (v nice) and new dutch gag with french link. Used to be in an egg butt snaffle.

Sunday rode - excellent, responsive, safe.

Monday rode - excellent, responsive, safe.

Tuesday - shod for the first time in 10 years

Wednesday - in all day as fields being treated (normally out 24/7) rode, reared, VERY sensitive to the bit, reared, tried to bolt home. Had to dismount and walk back to yard.

Thoughts?
 
Feet could be very sore, as if he hasn't been shod for 10 years it would be a shock to the system!

I was expecting a response re change of bit - but yes shoes could be an issue.

Jesus - what a thoughtless owner I am. I deeply regret taking her out today. Poor thing :(
 
After a through examination and using a process of eliminiation, I conclude it may be the shoes...
 
I agree. its most likely the shoes, but also being stabled all day is likly to affect her if she's not been in one for a bit, probably a bit fresh and sore.
 
Once apon a time when my mum had my first pony in her harness and cart she bolted. Turns out she got scared of her new shoes making a 'clip clop' sound on the road. Took shoes off and she was fine again.

As for the bit, to eliminate possibilities, put her back in her snaffle with the shoes and see how she reacts. Take her into an enclosed space for security first, before heading out onto the roads/tracks.
 
Sorry, not an answer to your question but

"Tuesday - shod for the first time in 10 years"

Why?

She has been fine for many years. I acquired her 4 yrs ago unshod. She was always a little sensitive on rough terrain however hacking was in fields so not an issue. Over last 4 months she has become extremely sensitive on rough ground, more than usual. Her feet are chipping allot more. Plus, we have access to new hacking which involves allot of road work and tracks. She refused to walk across the track last week and has been finding it more and more difficult. Upon the advice on the farrier I had her shod.
 
It could also be shes feeling alot happier with her feet & alot more "wooohoooo" now she feels happier. Ive had 2 horses who were total donkeys to ride without shoes, both when shod were like different horses to ride, much more forward going & alot more full of it. The first one i had like it was on loan to me & was perfect up until i had her shod, she just became a total hand full, jogged every where & was almost impossible to stop. The other is my arab gelding whom ive owned for 6 years & know inside & out, & the difference in him when he has shoes & doesn't is most noticeable.
 
It could also be shes feeling alot happier with her feet & alot more "wooohoooo" now she feels happier. Ive had 2 horses who were total donkeys to ride without shoes, both when shod were like different horses to ride, much more forward going & alot more full of it. The first one i had like it was on loan to me & was perfect up until i had her shod, she just became a total hand full, jogged every where & was almost impossible to stop. The other is my arab gelding whom ive owned for 6 years & know inside & out, & the difference in him when he has shoes & doesn't is most noticeable.

Oh dear. What have I done!?
 
She has been fine for many years. I acquired her 4 yrs ago unshod. She was always a little sensitive on rough terrain however hacking was in fields so not an issue. Over last 4 months she has become extremely sensitive on rough ground, more than usual. Her feet are chipping allot more. Plus, we have access to new hacking which involves allot of road work and tracks. She refused to walk across the track last week and has been finding it more and more difficult. Upon the advice on the farrier I had her shod.

I understand. If you find for some reason that she simply won't tolerate the shoes then post again and several of us will give you ideas on what you can do to get her rock-crunching without them.
 
Instead of having her shod, couldn't she wear boots. There are various types now on the market and they last for ages. Cheaper than shoeing in the long run and kinder to hooves.
 
I had the same thing when i got my new horse.....fine unshod.....when he was shod....crikey what a difference.....it took him a while to settle!
Everyone reckons it was because he couldnt feel the stones etc anymore so felt good in himself!
 
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