It's possible that her problem is two-fold I know, I know, medical science says if you can make it one problem it's easier to treat...but sometimes there really are more than one!

From your description, it sounds more to me like most of the problem is that she's indeed sensitive there, but not in a painful way, more of a ticklish way. That would explain why light things - touch, spraying fly spray, rain, etc. bother her more than being brushed and sponged which take more pressure. I have several horses here that are more ticklish than others and I have to keep it in mind when grooming them. It's possible to desensitize them to some extent, but like us, those of us who are ticklish will always be somewhat ticklish no matter what.

Secondly, being a camp horse she's likely learned a few tricks - any halfway intelligent horse that works at a camp will. That added to the fact that she's obviously had a poor fitting saddle cause her pain before and you have a horse who has likely delved into the art of scaring young riders so that she doesn't get ridden, and therefore doesn't get hurt by the saddle. She'll likely remember this habit for years, unless you actively unteach it and she learns to trust the saddle again. This is why she doesn't object to you anymore - she has learned you aren't going to hurt her and has learned to trust you.

Sounds like you've got a great mare though, all in all. Some of the best horses are those who have come through some "camp horse training" and go on to someone who can undo the bad habits formed and keep the good traits!
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PH Cody
HorseHobbyist Site Coordinator

Come join our Saturday Night Barn Party from 9-11 also! PHRitters is always ready to party

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