Possible back problems/abused exited pony?

[Lottiexloo]

Hi everyone,
My pony has had this problem for quite awhile. I think it might just be excitement but was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions. Whenever we canter or go at basically any other speed than walk in an open area/flat stretch she comes to a dead stop, puts her head not completely down but quite far down and sort of jumps around, she doesn't buck but it feels like a sort of small buck as she sort of arches her back and throws you forward onto the pommel. This usually happens at the beach or in open fields and grassy areas. I have wondered whether it's her back but she doesn't show any signs of back problems.

She was badly abused when she was younger and the trauma obviously stayed with her as when we first got her she had some problems (she's a completely new pony now apart from this)

I'm thinking it's just excitement as all she knew was the farm she was at but I'm interest in what other people think, thanks😊

 

[Barnacle]

Does she do it in enclosed spaces? If it's just in the open, yes, I'd suspect it's excitement. You should try to get her moving forward the moment she goes to put her head down.

 

[Lottiexloo]

Its only in open spaces, she's fine anywhere else. And I do try, she's just rather strong, and I'm trying to concentrate on not going over her head! Haha

 

[CleanShavings]

How about an buck stop? Not an long term thing and only once pain has been 100% ruled out, but it may help to get her moving forward.

 

[BentleyBelly]

My pony does something similar and it is a problem with his back. He is pretty much retired now at 18 as I have never really got to the bottom of it. He will walk and trot no problem but has a real issue with cantering under saddle. He has a roach back and is always very tense behind the saddle area. Vet and physio think it is his bad conformation and just one of those things unfortunately. I would definitely get your pony (and saddle fit) checked out to rule out pain.