Balky Horses

Question
Hi! I have a 5 year old mare that I am training and we are having some problems. She is super balky, so if I ask her to do more than walk, she stops dead and pins her ears. I have to kick kick kick to get her to go, and alot of times that results on getting bucked off. She has no back soreness issues and she is completely healthy. She is not moddy on the ground or anything, just being ridden. This has slowed down her training from w/t/c and small cross rails to w/t work. Any suggestions on how to fix this?
Thanks!

Answer
Hello Abby,

I need a little more information to give you an informed decision.
5 years old is still pretty much of a baby. What has been her training before? Did this problem happen gradually or "overnight".

How do you know it is not physical and that her saddle fits really well? Have you had a chiropractor or horse massage person look at her? How expert is the saddle fitter? What do you have in her mouth? What kind of bit? Is her mouth all right....no ulcers or spurs on the bars of her mouth?

Let me know these things,and we will continue from there. You have to be as positive as possible that there is not a pain reason for a horse's behavior before starting the reschooing program.

Thank You,

Mitzi Summers