I have a 6 Y/O Connemara X( the X includes a bit of Arab). I have been riding him for 2 years, seriously working him in dressage for a year. He had a lengthy childhood romping about in the pasture, being a short backed horse not a bad thing. He's smart, charming, handsome and talented, all wonderful qualities...do you hear the "but" coming. Much like my 20 year old son he seems to have problems with authority, or in dressage speak, lacks submission. He has an opinion about everything we do, which is usually contrary to mine. Mind you I am no push-over nor am I an inexperienced horse person. (In my younger days I used to rehab off-the-track TB's and sell them as riding horses.) On one hand I feel that this problem is the result of his intelligence and spirit which I love. On the other I feel like arguing with a horse who has temper tantrums when he doesn't get his way is counter productive. I've never ridden a horse like this before! Is there anyone out there who has had some luck with a similar creature?Laura