"I have a 16-year-old Connemara type mare. I only have her a few weeks and have been riding her out. She was a gift for me. They bought her on the understanding that she was quiet to ride and has no problems with traffic. They bought her from someone who had land near the beach, where she was grazing. She's afraid of water and when she hears the flow of water she starts to act up and turn back towards the road we've just travelled. What could her problem be? Also, I'm 27 and have just started riding again, I had lessons when I was 13 for a while, then a few earlier this year. I had a bad fall in May and have recently started back riding again but I seem to have lost the little bit of confidence that I once had. A few of my friends take me out up to the woods to get me doing a few little jumps as I've always wanted to go out on a hunt. Is there any advice you can give me to help me too?" Jen

H&C blogger and Olympic eventer Sharon Hunt replies: "Hi Jen. Hmm, I think you just need to ride with others and have fun out with your horse at the moment. Try and build a relationship with her so the mare feels she can trust you - particularly in times when the mare may feel worried, like at water. I'm not sure why doesn't like water, but it could be the sound of rushing water so maybe play with non-moving water to start with and then build up to streams etc. Remember riding should be fun, but we all need pushing sometimes so try to enjoy the hack but push yourself too so maybe go via a water jump but always with a potential lead just in case! Sharon."