ride and drive query

[immi]

Hi - first of all thanks for the suggestions I received regarding driving bits - I now am driving Aloe in a jointed butterfly bit and we are both happier - she goes from strength to strength with driving but herein lies my problem.

She is 11.2 - 12 (depending on who measures her!) and I had her broken to drive as my daughter really is too small and young to ride her at present. I have now found a jockey for her and still want to drive her. She has been ridden off and on and is enjoying hacking out but in the school does not seem herself at all. Do ponies have a problem going from driving to riding?

She is not being asked to do anything too strenuous - walk, trot and the odd circle. The rider is v-quiet and steady. Aloe has started to cow kick and grab at the bridle and put in a buck - totally unheard of before. I am getting a someone to check her back in case there is a problem which is just showing itself in the school. I really don't know if she is confused, cross, taking the mick, in pain or what? Or just prefers driving!?

Thanks for any comments.

Immi

[Wally]

I have never known a horse act like that going from one dicipline to another.

Charlie had been driven lots before we found a jockey for him, but he took to riding like a duck to water.

I'd suggest there is a saddle issue, or back/hip issue that doesn't affect her driving.