Head tossing and rein pulling

[WildTurkey]

I currently ride at a trail riding centre and we bought this mare about 6 months ago. All we know about her history is she was used for polo. When i take her on trail rides if are walking she behaves fine and if i take her up to the front of the group she is really good to trot and canter. But when i try taking her to the back of the group to trot and canter she starts to toss her head and wants to get to the front. When we all stop to go back to a walk she starts to jog a bit and tosses her head and pulls on the reins. She dosnt try to take off or bolt and she is great up the front. I always ride her with soft hands and give her a loose rein because she hates being riden on a tight rein. What can i do to help this problem?

[galadriel]

There's a difference between loose rein and contact. You might benefit from this article:
http://www.horse-sense.org/archives/200104201932.phtml

Many horses become uncomfortable when ridden with too much or too little contact, and will throw their heads around until you get it right.

Also, if YOU are tense, you may be bouncing a bit in the saddle, or otherwise not following the motion of her back. This may make some horses toss their heads in frunstration.

[Stella2]

Also some horses have a preference for being at the front or the back of the 'herd'! As Gal says, head tossing can be a way of communicating displeasure. My mare tosses her head when she get tired or is being asked to do something she doesn't really want to do. So I guess your horse could just be objecting to being behind when he thinks he should be leading the herd!

I guess you could just humour him by letting him go at the front, putting him behind on ocassion just to reinforce that he has to sometimes.

[Stella2]

Sorry - for he read she ;)