You have a couple of issues. One your horse basically doesnot view you as being in control and as a result controls you. She probably doesnt have a saddle or bit problem, but an owner problem. Some of the best horses I have I bought cheap from owner created issues. Unless you are showing you should only need a full cheek snaffle. I can turn your horse's mouth into butter in about an hour or so. You have three seconds to get after her when she bites, pushes, etc. I bought a horse from a lady who was scared to death of her horse. The horse bit, kicked, bucked and reared. I can now put almost anyone on his back and he doesn't do any of the above. I would encourage you to spend some money and get some training DVD's from John Lyons or someone similar. Then study them over and over and practice until you get the results you want. It will work, but you will also have to work at it. If you aren't able to then sell your horse and start over. You need to find a horse that matches who you are in terms of your experience, time, temperment, and so on. Hope this helps. Remember your safety is most important!

Put a cable tie down on her that goes over her poll.Get a big high port bit with three curb chains under her chin.When she tries to rear pull back as hard as you can while squeezeing with your legs.Give her sugar out of your hand for a reward and always follow her when she wants to lead.If she loves to run barrels then put some up and see how many times a day she runs them with nobody on her back......Ive actually seen all of this tried...Duh.No wonder good horseman are in high demand......Horsetrained

Minx, Way to go! Glad you are finding some success. I often think about how we present ourselves to our horses as a way of life. We have to be "particular" and notice all the small pieces, cuz trust me the horse is noticing all those small particles of feel or lack there of. I would encourage you to look at every thing you do with this mare, not just what takes place in the arena. "Nothing runs unmingled." So every chance you get to show this mare with clarity what you want from her, will help in the big picture. It goes from the time you enter her field, to putting on the halter, to when you are grooming her to the time you turn her back out to the field and all that in between. Keep looking for all those "little spots" where you can help her feel good about what you have to offer. Be prepared to hang in there to get the change you are looking for. (Sometimes that can sure look ugly and not what we have in mind.) Sometimes we have to let go of our agenda and come up with a plan that will benefit the horse and ourselves. I know all this sounds vague and esoteric, but if you can just be in the moment (trust me that is where a horse is at all times)and know what you want your outcome to be and how to get it then you will be successful. Trust your gut, it is never wrong. And there is never ever anything wrong in saying, this is not the horse for me. Horsemanship, its a journey not a destination! Best, Kathy

Thanks Julebar - that's what I've been trying to do - end our short training session on a positive note so she doesn't associate the arena with anything negative. Otherwise she won't even want to go in there! I need to keep at it - haven't ridden her in a couple days again (my darn life is so busy), so I need to re-inforce where we left off.

way to go---yeah for you and her!!! keep on with her lynx---build on it----little doses several times a day will sink in with her---sounds like you are committed to her and that is what also will make a difference in her response.....sounds good so far. do not be surprised if she tries you and tries you big time when you are so sure she has got it down.....just get her and you thru it safely and go on with what you are doing----staying firm and showing her where you need her to be. try to end the day on her doing something so flawless and getting alot of positive strokes and vibes from you----that way what she chews on mentally until the next day will be good stuff................

Just a quick update - our last ride in the round pen was very promising. There was still some biting while saddling, but we went VERY slowly this time, and I kept it one notch looser than I would have liked. After walking around the arena a bit, she went right into the trot with just a squeeze. She shook her head a bit, to show her disagreeement, but went along with the trot. I was fully impressed. Not one attempt at the rearing! I've been diligent at not letting her get away with rearing and working her through and past the rearing to get the end result I want, wich is just a simple trot. The difference here was.... looser saddle, cool weather, and several more days of work with her. I think she has potential! I just need to keep up the work.

Hm I think you really have a problem there and the horse is more of a project horse by now. Please do not attempt to remedy this by yourself, but get the help of a reputable trainer who will work with your horse AND with you . Then there is a good chance for the two of you to make it.

Seriously, I have a horse that was real bad about biting/nipping. I got sick of it and one day he got me real good. I was so mad, I couldn't see straight. So I bite him on the neck real hard, drew blood and left a scare. He never bit again. However, I don't advise someone to do that. Melissa

Just bite and rear back to your horse and see how it likes it

She's fat because I'm not riding her!!! ha Which, again, is the reason for a lot of my problems. She has access to 5 acres of pasture and runs around when she pleases, but doesn't "excercise". I'm packing up tonight for a camp trip and am also pikcing up my new horse trailer (yeaaaaaah) so I'll be gone a while. My first "real" trailer... it's a Silverlite Bandit and they are made here in Oregon! After I get my little missy fit girl into better shape and she has more respect for me, I've got plans on lots of trail rides. Sooo, I'll report back with any progress on the behavior issues. If she doesn't start showing me she is willing to change over the course of the summer, I'll reconsider keeping her as one of our family! Thanks again to you all for taking the time to give me advice - this really is a great network of folks!!