Sensitive back legs

Johara50

Johara50

New Member
Oct 20, 2018
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Wimborne, United Kingdom
Hi, this is the first time I have ever posted on a forum and I have just joined new rider which seems to be a godsend to me.
Here goes, I have recently bought my 14'1" Arab mare, I've just come back after having 5 years off after a bad experience but riding horses is the only thing I love to do, so back on the saddle I go.
She has a beautiful temperament most of the time anyway. My problem is I can't go near hear her back legs, she just kicks out but when I first bought her she was fine, it's like she doesn't like me it feels and it's really getting me down. She is in a field on her own but there are 2 Shetland in a field but one away and she can see them. I just don't know if she's unhappy, please help as I'm getting nervous around her.
 
Hello and welcome.

Please tell us more about your experience and more about you new horse.

What is she fed, how old is she, does she live out, what is her history, how often is she exercised, how long have you had her. Is she shod

I know it sounds a lot of questions but the best way to understand what is going on is to get full picture of the two of you.

I don’t think she doesn’t like you. I have had my boy over six years and can still throw a left at me.

There are lots of knowledgeable people on the forum and we will all want to help. But we can only do so with lots of information from you so please don’t feel offended when we ask lots of questions
 
My new (got him in March) pony took a swipe at me just yesterday, not because he doesn't like me, just because he's of a slightly nervous disposition and he'll take the chance if he's unsure, so long as I stay quiet and insist he's perfectly fine :)

Being alone can be very stressful for a horse, does she have any physical interaction with other horses at all? That could certainly add to anxiety levels.
 
She is fed on a mix and chaff, she’s 11 but apparently only broken in this year, I have had her 5 weeks but only been able to ride her 5 times as I was waiting upon a saddle to be fitted properly. She isn’t shod yet.
 
Jessey said:
My new (got him in March) pony took a swipe at me just yesterday, not because he doesn't like me, just because he's of a slightly nervous disposition and he'll take the chance if he's unsure, so long as I stay quiet and insist he's perfectly fine :)

Being alone can be very stressful for a horse, does she have any physical interaction with other horses at all? That could certainly add to anxiety levels.
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No she has no physical interaction with them she can only see them and I know this is bothering her because she stands and stares at them which breaks my heart
 
Jessey said:
I know what you mean, but it's a slippery slope, I got my mare a companion pony
View attachment 95325
But then he got lonely when I'd ride her so I brought my companion a companion :p
View attachment 95326
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Lol that’s funny, my pony has 2 shetlands near her but not next to her and I’m sure this is bothering her, I may need to move to a bigger yard but the place I’m at is beautiful and free but her happiness is more important. You have a beautiful horse by the way
 
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I would start by asking someone else (a yard manager, experienced friend), if they can pick her back legs up. If they can do this easily, you know that the problem is with the way you are asking or acting around her, and if this is the case, ask the friend to teach you what to do.

If no one else can touch her either, I would get the vet to look. A horse with a normally placid temperament will not normally kick out for no reason. This indicates discomfort which could be in the feet, leg or back. The vet may suggest a bute trial where you give her bute for a few weeks and see if there is improvement in her behaviour. If she is better on the bute, you know the behaviour is pain related.
 
Its still very early in your relationship with her, it may well be she can sense your reluctance with the back legs and is reacting to it, she could be testing you, I would ask for some assistance and try an interact with her daily, even if only moving your hands down the back, then her rump and then legs at a pace she is happy and comfortable with not asking anything of her other than to allow you to and reward her for it, no pressure. a few weeks if it is just initial trust issues then you should both benefit and she will overcome , they are very quick to pick up on evasion and sometimes you have to coax them through it sometimes it needs to be firmer, our Mares can be like this, Gem most of the time is brilliant but every now and again can be a sod but we have found this can link with her seasons so maybe something to think about as well, Myst on the other hand came to us with know leg issues, we have worked with her for months now and for us she is great and at last front feet can be picked out (with small protest) unthered, back legs are work in progress for this, but fine on the lead, the Farrier is getting there with her, but for all involved the main thing is safety , so if you are trying to sort this out do it with your Hat on.
 
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You did say that even though she is 11 she has only been broken in this year...had she been handled much previous to being broken? Plus you have only had her 5 weeks so she is just learning to trust you , is she also in new surroundings?
 
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