Her mare wasn't working the way they wanted and the coach had Ashley back that mare the complete length of the arena (about the size of a dessage court). The mare was very resistant, head up, mouth wide open. It was hard to see exactly what they had accomplished.
Probably nothing. I know Buck Brannaman will back a horse for several lengths of the arena if he has to--the goal being to get the horse's attention on him. But you're right--it sounds like this mare hadn't a clue how to back up well, and so it just ended up being punishment. Backing is a skill that is often completely neglected. Robyn
