Hi Richard Boatwright and all - I work with a few horses we use in therapy sessions with kids, and I'm looking for advice with one of them...a 12-15 year old Arab with we don't know what kind of foundation. Owner has him in a mechanical hackamore, says he doesn't take to a snaffle. So....

He longes ok walking and trotting both directions, saddled, with either a bridle or rope halter. But when I ride him he will do everything he can to avoid going to the right. He's hard to keep going forward, always will stop and look at my left foot. Even longeing to the right he's often  paying attention to the left. He does this with other riders, and I haven't seen this problem with other horses.

Owner thinks it's something with a weaker right shoulder, but my theory is he's afraid to trust not seeing his left side.

Anyone have similar experiences or insight? Would appreciate any thoughts on causes and exercises to help fix. Thank you!