anxious on the down hill

Hmmmmm....

Just looked it up. She doesn't really fit the profile of a horse at risk for this.
But, won't rule it out.

Look.

My horse does the same thing. For him it's inexperience. I'd like to see you climb a hill or go down a hill easily with a person on your back. It's work! They have to learn to go down it.. it's not going to be an automatic thing.

Work on going down at an angle, take it easy. They'll learn to go down it without running once they exercise/build muscle memory to do it properly.

I'm not sure why but this thread has me a little frustrated.

It very well could be inexperience. I've been riding her for only 6 mths and I have no idea what training/experience she had prior to her life with me.

Then I'd just take it with her slow. Start with a SMALL hill.. go down it without being in her mouth. If she starts to rush, ask her to slow down and as SOON as she reacts, ease up. Keep practicing and you'll be able to handle bigger hills.

O_o, where in Oregon are you? Wondering where all these beautiful canyons are. Going to be mobile this year so looking for great places to ride.

Eastern. Let me know if you come this way...we live on the way to a horse camp/trail head!

If she's post-founder, could it be heel pain?

Could be.
I rode with my farrier this week and he thinks her hip is out.
Lucky girl gets a massage today to see if she's in pain, then go from there.

P.S.~ I highly recommend riding with your farrier! I learned so much about her movement, and so did he.

My horse is always slow going down hills, but it's because he is just watching his footing and also watching for his and my safety. We aren't the only one's looking for danger!! :)