worried about mare

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KalaJ

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Ive had a few minor issues with my new mare, mainly involving her not wanting to work but anyway we got over these and things were going well, even started jumping some (small) jumps. Fast forward to last week, we were in the field and she would not canter, as we got to the top of the field she bucked and did a tiny rear but i somehow managed to stay on, calmed her down and all was well. My friend then got on her as she had previously got her cantering nicely but once again when asked for canter she bucked several times and had her off! I gave her a few days off and had a gentle walk and trot around the field but she was very uncomfortable in trot so didnt push her. She seems Ok in herself still galloping off and hooning around when i turn her out. She is having her back done on Wednesday but im so worried that Ive hurt her or pushed her too much, she is 17 and not been in work for over a year. Pointless post really, just really worried.
 
Has she had her saddle checked or her teeth done during this year off? And have you started with slow fattening work initially (as in a couple of weeks of walking only, then gradually introducing short trots etc) before building up to all this cantering and jumping? Remember it has been pretty hot lately too - could she be feeling the heat a bit? If you're sure about all these things, perhaps get a good local instructor to give you a lesson and see what their opinion is?
 
You do not say how long you have had her but if she has not been in work for over a year it will take months to get her fit again, if she was out of work due to injury it may take longer, month 1 should be walking only to build up her muscle tone, then start short trots and gradually increase this before introducing canter after about a month of trotting, if this has been rushed she may well be sore and inclined to behave as you have described.
As well as a back check get the saddle looked at, as she gets fitter she will change shape and it may need adjusting, a vet check to make sure there are no underlying issues may be worth doing as well as having her teeth looked at if they have not been done recently.
The fact she can gallop round the field is not always a sign there is nothing wrong she is obviously feeling good but may be uncomfortable when ridden , spend time getting everything right now and you should get back on track.
 
I cant quote as on phone but ill try and answer the questions. She hadnt been worked in a year due to previous owners illness. She has been checked by vet and is very healthy. Teeth are being done next week. Ive had her just over 2 months, and have really only walked and trotted, lots of hacking to build up muscle, trotting poles etc. The jumping was because there was a tiny cross pole up in the school anyway so was trotting her over it and she started cantering so we have only had 2 short canters in the last couple of weeks and seemed ok after. She has the same saddle but will get it checked anyway.
 
Maybe in season, maybe just bored and needs a hack instead of schooling. Put some poles on the ground, pick up flags, make it fun
 
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