problem with trotting....

[bartera]

My 16-year old Arabian mare has seemed to forgotten what a jog-trot is....I know she used to have one, and when I longe her, she has a beautiful jog, but the second someone hits her back, it all goes right out the window, and all she will do is a terribly extended trot (very uncomfortable)!! I have tried everything my trainer has told me, and if I try bringing her head down, and pushing her into the bit, she throws her head and has a tantrum!! Help! I am at my wits end!!!

[JoeyJoJo]

Hi!
I dont know if this will help or not, but its just a thought. Have you checked thet her saddle is not causing her any pain? You say that she is fine on the lunge, but maybe when a person is on her back the extra pressure causes the saddle to hurt her? What is she like to mount and in other paces?

[bartera]

Thanks for the reply - she is fine with saddling, cinching, and mounting. She is fine walking, but becuase I want to work with her one gait at a time, and we are having so much trouble trotting, I haven't loped her. My husband has, but he doesn't know anything about riding and what is correct and not correct, so I can't really use his opinion of her gaits... :) I have had someone else look at the fit of her saddle, and they say it's fine....
?????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!

[JoeyJoJo]

Well Im sorry I couldnt help, but good luck and keep us updated! :D

[seahorsey2]

Your mare trotted fine before, and trots fine on the longe, but then you add weight, and she extends, and runs, sounds like she is trying to avoid pain. If you are sure there aren't any saddle fit problems, the next step would be to Have your vet take a look at her, perhaps he may find something you are not seeing. I would not continue riding her until the vet agrees that there are no medical causes.

[bartera]

Thanks! That seems to be the consensus....I will have my vet check her out!! :)