My horse has started rearing when I trot her in circles on a lead rope (from the ground)?

Today I just went out to the paddock to give her a bit of a walk and trot around by leading her as I don't want to ride her until her teeth are fixed and gained some more condition, and was fine until I trotted her in a circle with the lead rope. She was ok for a bit, and then she started flicking her head a bit and then partially reared. This happened 3 times, and am wondering what her cause of pain was. This is most unlike her as she is normally a very placid and quiet horse. Her teeth need fixing, and I am wondering whether the halter pressed painfully on her jaws when going in a circle. I don't see how though, because she has a rope halter, rather than a headstall which pulls the whole head. She was fine when I just ran straight with her trotting beside me afterwards. Her legs seemed fine as all legs went evenly in the trot, though when she walks her hind feet kind of drag. Is this natural? Could she have arthritis? If so, how do you tell? I should probs get the vet out.

My horse has started rearing when I trot her in circles on a lead rope (from the ground)?
This could eb due to excitement as I know my horse tends to fling himself around on the lunge.





She may feel when you turn her on a circle that she is getting freedom and just jumping and skipping for fun.





If you are seriously worried tho I would get the vet. its unlikely something is hurting her as it would hurt during walk aswell.





have you got a lunge line? I'd try lunging her and I bet with the longer rein she will have abit of a play and then calm down.





How often does she go out in the field she may of thougth she was going out.





I definately think excitement as if it was pain or maliciousness she would do it other than in trot on a circle
Reply:A vet visit is always best and with one coming for her teeth, I would just add to that and have her evaluated.





It could of been anything from being torked to a pain issue, but if she is as placid as you say she is, then I agree with you it could be pain.





Dragging at a walk can be normal for the horse.





How old is your horse?
Reply:A lead rope doesnt allow a horse much room, which may irritate her. Try a lounge line! :D
Reply:if you can, put a roller on her or the saddle, cinched only enough to keep the saddle on, then under her halter put on a tie- down and obviously clip it to the cinch or bottom of roller. when you lead her, she can't throw her head up as the rears, so she can't get the balance to rear. use it while riding also in case. * as long as you know it's not a pain issue*





they see me mowing, my front lawn, i know they're all thinking i'm so white and nerdy... sorrry... i just love this song!... nice bass... can feel my desk vibrating
Reply:WHOA! When you say you are trotting her in a circle on a lead rope, I pray you do not mean like to longe on a lead rope!





If you are going to longe a horse it should be done on a longe line that is 25 feet long. I have seen too many people seriously hurt using a line that is so short that any part of the horse can reach you.





The rest of your story sounds like there might be some pain involved if not stubborness, but the "circling on a lead rope" part is scary if that's what you mean. I hope I misunderstood.





(No I didn't spell longe wrong...I think you can Google it and see)





Best wishes with your horse. I hope it is not in pain and that you will both be OK
Reply:was it a lounge line or a regular lead rope? a lounge line is a lot safer, she might be uncomfortable with a regular lead rope, she might feel somewhat tied down or restricted sence it is so short. i would check out her preveous owners. i know a woman who owns a horse whose preveous owners let her get away with a lot of stuff. ask what she used to do with them.
Reply:just be careful, dont trust anything thats that big and has a mind of its own lol...t