mounting issues

[marjorie56]

Hi All I have recently started to bring my 18year mare back into work she was bought as a companion for my old boy after his wee friend was PTS last summer - I am 62! so no rude comments and not as agile as I used to be plus lost my confidence a few years back due to balance issues but to the point!-I have worked away slowly leading in hand and a little lunging with full tack then decided to bite the bullet and get on- well she had other ideas! she became very agitated swinging away from the mounting block kicking out with her back feet if anyone tried to keep her straight I eventually managed to get on she appeared fine at first then started making a "grunting" sound as if uncomfortable - she is 14hhs and I am 5' weighing 9 3/4stones so don't think I am too heavy(she is a welsh cob) - I am getting the saddler out next week to check there are no issues there if all's well here any ideas or plan of action -I have tried with a gate at the side , getting on from the wrong side I have to say once on board I can feel me getting anxious which doesn't help - any constructive help would be appreciated - If all else fails and she is perhaps not going to be happy ridden then it's not the end of the world she was initially a companion for Dubs and that she will remain it is a home for life!

[clipclop]

Do you know why she was only a companion in the first place? Injury? Kissing spine?

It sound like she's really trying to tell you that she's not comfortable so forcing her to allow you on could result in a more extreme reaction from her if you don't heed her warning.

I'd look into her past and get a full physical work up before then getting a saddle fitter.

[marjorie56]

Hi she had been turned out on her own due to old owner being unable to keep her at livery yard and no rider for her the . Sara saddle has been checked and is ok so am just continuing to work away slowly vet checked her also.