Help? =(

Whenever my 7yo thoroughbred mare doesnt want to do something, she'll run backwards. Its not just a shuffle or a step, its a full powered backward movement and no fence nor rope will stop her!

Even when I don't ask for anything, whenever she gets bored or tired she will simply reverse again. She has ruined many fences, she just crashes through them and keeps going backwards.
In the paddock she never has such disrespect for a fence!

I've tried a crop but that just makes her buck like nothing on earth.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks that could help me out with this!? I've had her for about 6 months and have been trying to get her back into regular work. Any help would be appreciated! :)

When she starts going backwards, make her go backwards. Don't let her stop till you ask her to, not when she decides to stop. You need her to start thinking that going backwards is going to end up being hard work. Back her all round the arena if you have to :)

Maybe let her back up, but keep her on a circle until she gives up? That way no fences get destroyed. Make sure you're rewarding her the second she stops and relaxes.

Thanks for you ideas :) I've tried circling her, which does work to a point, where the backwards-ing will stop and then she will stand completely still and no kicking or tapping or nudging will get her to move forward, then when she wants she'll continue to go backwards again.

Thank you chillaa I will try that!

I'm sorry but I think this is the most serious fault a horse can have-- balking-- related to bucking, rearing, and throwing himself down. I consider it a sort of mind blockage. If the habit is confirmed, you will need a professional trainer/rider who can ride out the bucks, and/or work with the violence that your horse may offer. An alternative is to start from scratch, and take the extra time to teach your horse to move forward, that not only is it "okay" but safe and pleasant.

Please be careful! I've seen this little "backing" habit escalate into dangerous situations.