Princess or pain?

Dan came tonight for our neighborhood lesson. He warmed up Gilly while I saddled Sparkler. She started with her kicking just as she had on Sunday. But instead of getting better, it turned into bigger kicks. I said, "Dan......" and he said, "Sure." We switched.

When she kicked, he made her go faster. When she got to the side of the arena, she whacked the wall with her hind leg. Around the other side, she whacked it again. Then the third time I think it was both feet. He just laughed and kept going and eventually it stopped. However, each time during the evening, starting up after a rest, she would whack the wall once or twice, then settle down. She was perfect once she got over whatever it is this is.

So, I have this dilemma. Is this physical or is she being marish--a princess, as Dan puts it?

Princess theory

Last month, when she was left outside alone while the rest of the horses were inside the arena, she ran around the outside of the arena, whinnying and kicking the walls, mad because she couldn't get in. This kicking started last fall, so it isn't leftover pain from ehrlichiosis this spring.

Pain theory

The farrier says her left rear leg is sometimes more difficult than the others, though not substantially.

Sally says there is an old cowboy test for this. Hold the leg up uncomfortably high for about a minute, then let go and make her trot out. If it's an injury, it will show in her movement. I'll have to give that a try.