Steering problems

[Nightmare16.2]

My mare seems to fight me when I turn her counter clockwise! Its not all the time but happens frequently. she is perfect clockwise then when I ask her for the other direction she lifts her head and pulls hard against me! She has had the dentist last week, her feet are fine and she has no injuries. Any ideas?

 

[Songbird]

I know that this will be of no help whatsoever but i am having the exact same problem with my mare, she jogs off with me - so just to let you know you are not alone!!

 

[spike123]

Being as I know both you and your horse lol I think as she gets her head up well above the contact perhaps it may be an idea to try a martingale and see if it helps. Some of it though will be due to her teeth having been bad previously plus it could also be the bit and perhaps may be worthwhile trying something with a different action such as a french link jointed snaffle rather than the single joint she has currently.

 

[ThePony]

if I were you I would get her back checked. Even a slight tightness or ache can really noticably affect turns. Horses seem to be massive self harm artists so would be easy for her to mangle herself with a roll gone wrong or something!

 

[Jonnyjumper]

if I were you I would get her back checked. Even a slight tightness or ache can really noticably affect turns. Horses seem to be massive self harm artists so would be easy for her to mangle herself with a roll gone wrong or something!

Exactly what I thought when I read the original post.
Also bear in mind that if there is something physically wrong and you get it fixed, horses often, out of sheer habit, still try to use it as an excuse to continue their previous behaviour.

 

[BentleyBelly]

Get the experts in. Check....teeth, back, saddle fit, bridle fit, bit fit....if all fine invest in some lessons with a good instructor.