I have noticed that as a horse "gets into shape", they find that they
have more energy to shy & be silly. In the beginning of your
conditioning program, she may have spent most of her energy in just
moving fown the trail instead of acting silly. If a change in her
physical condition is ruled out (see Tom Iver's post), then you need to
visit training issues. It will be important to identify if the problem
stems from high spirits or from genuine fear or startlement at items.
Your approach to retraining needs to REWARD good behavior as much or
more than dissuade the unwanted behavior. Most horses thrive on praise!
(Just remember to praise when it is appropriate. I often see folks
petting & praising the horse when he's misbehaving because <they> are
nervous!)
I once owned an App that was SEVERELY near sighted!! He was so
surprised to suddenly see things as they moved closer that he would shy
or turn and try to bolt. He did much better in familiar surroundings or
in confined areas like a ring. He's now a flat hunter equitation horse
for a 4-H'er and much happier. Not all horses are suited for a
particular discipline.
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