"I have just a bought a new horse and when we went to see her she was perfect. We got her home and she quickly changed and is now forward-going and very naughty. She is 12 and has been in the riding schools care for quite some time and we now think some of this might be due to a change in enviroment. The lady who sold her said she wouldn't buck, rear, bolt, get excited and that she is suitable for a novice, scared rider, plus that she could jump. I have tried her over a very small jump were upon landing she spooked, bucked and I came off. Is there any way we can get her to settle/calm down and pay attention to what I'm asking of her?" Catherine

H&C blogger and Olympic eventer Sharon Hunt replies: "Hi Catherine, I actually think you need to call the lady you bought your mare from ASAP to make the seller aware of these issues that you are experiencing. I think it's also important to establish why the horse was being sold in the first place - was it because she was too sharp for the riding school? If the lady from whom you purchased your mare sells horses on a regular basis, then she has a duty to ensure that she sells suitable horses to appropriate candidates. If you're particularly wanting a horse that's suitable for a novice rider and you do not feel that the mare you've purchased is suitable then the lady you bought her from should be prepared to take her back.

I would strongly recommend that you appoint a local expert, like an experienced riding instructor, as soon as possible to help you judge whether or not the mare is a suitable match for you. If you both agree that the mare is suitable, then it's important for you to have lots of lessons to correct the mare back to behaving appropriately for you. It's crucial to seek proper advice quickly as the last thing you want is to have an accident. Best of luck.

Best wishes,
Sharon