"Hi, I’m a huge fan of Horse & Country TV and I really need help with my thoroughbred Sparky. Sparky is 10-years-old, an ex-racehorse and stands at about 16.3hh. I’ve owned him for a year now. On the ground Sparks is fine to handle, he is a bit spooky but I can handle that as I know him and know what makes him tick. I’ve done a lot of Parelli work on the ground and finally we have a bit of a bond.

The problem is when I go to get on him. As soon as I put my foot in the stirrup he rears! His reaction is so violent that I have not gone near him in nearly four months. I’ve ridden and trained with horses for 17 years but having had a child I’ve completely lost my confidence with him. When I bought him, I rode him and all was okay. I kept him on livery and, although he always shot forward when I mounted, I never had a problem getting on. We moved to a house with land and stables in March this year and I’ve been unable to get on him since. His teeth, back and saddlery ss fine, so that has been ruled out but the extent of his reactions suggest a brain issue. He currently lives with my other horse Khan also an ex-racehorse (but a completely different temperament) and a New Forest pony. He stresses when he’s away from the others and most of our work has been done in the paddock to the side of the field where Sparks can see his buddies but this obviously is not enough as he goes berserk when I attempt to get on him.

Following a very violent reaction the last time I tried to work with him, I have totally given up hope and confidence and I feel my only option now is to have him PTS [put to sleep]. I will not sell him/give him away as he is too dangerous and it wouldn’t be fair to either party, I cannot afford to have him sent away for reschooling and besides I would like to be the one working with him and learning how to work with him. I’m at a loss now. I love him dearly but cannot afford to keep two horses when I am unable to ride one of them. You are my last ditch attempt for advice. I’ve listened to friends who’ve all advised it would be best to have him PTS but I need to give him one last chance to be sure that it would be the right decision. It's breaking my heart. Many thanks, Vichy."

H&C blogger and Olympic eventer Sharon Hunt replies: "Vichy, it sounds to me as though there has always been a problem getting on as he shoots forward. This is/was not normal to begin with and sounds as though it is a problem that has developed into something bigger. The rearing now is probably just a development from running forwards; if you think back, did you ever stop him from running off as it sounds like he now feels trapped and the only way he feels okay is to go up as he can't go forward?

I don't think it sounds like a brain issue at all other than stress and anxiety. I would not have him put down just yet! How about getting someone over that could help you, e.g. Richard Maxwell or similar which may only cost a couple sessions rather than have him put down? You have to remember horses don't just suddenly change overnight, there is always a reason why... You do need an expert though to help as on your own sounds a little risky at present and you musn't be scared as this will make the horse anxious too. Remember you haven't sat on him for four months so he may well be fresh when you do get on again so why not lunge him for a week before and try and get the freshness off.

I hope this helps.
Sharon."