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  Discussion on Spoiled lazy horse
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Posted on Friday, Sep 10, 1999 - 2:15 am:

Hi,I have a hard time getting my horse to leave home. When we get out the gate and a few hundred yards away, My 12yr, old gelding tries to turn and go home. When I try to keep him going straight he just braces against me and ignores what I'm asking him to do. I am a very green rider so I'll explain what I do. If he tries to turn left, I cue him before we get to the place where he wants to turn, I use a little pressure from my left calf and shorten and tickle the right rein, so he won't think about going left. He just stiffens his jaw and kind of charges to the left anyway. So I immediantly keep him turning in a circle that is to the left and then I make him go straight. We go thru that about 4-5 times before we can even get halfway down to the end of the street. Sometimes when he is determined to turn left and go home and I feel him starting to brace himself I will reach down with my right hand as close as I can get it to the bit and gently try to pull him to make him go right whether he wants to or not. I always try not to be in his mouth, I try to just pick up the rein and tickle him about 3 times and then give him time to respond and then if he doesn't I just use more pressure. Sometimes I think I start cueing him to fast and rough. I don't know what else to do to get him to listen to me. Please Help I really want to ride and to enjoy my horse, But I definetly do not want to ruin him or be mean to him. I don't want to make him heavy in the mouth. I know that I have lots to learn. Is he doing this because I am cueing and doing everything wrong? Reply ASAP PLEASE!!!
Thanks, Cindy

Posted on Friday, Sep 10, 1999 - 10:31 am:

HI Cindy

It is midnight and I am sitting here reading the latest messages. So I thought I would respond to this one as well.

You are doing well so far, always start with a light touch and make it more insistant, work you way up until you give him to idea he must do what you want then reward him when he does.

I think you are more likely to have a worried horse, I am assuming you are going out alone, this will usually upset most horses.
Your gelding needs to learn that going out is a good thing, you might have to go out with others until he learns the trails.
An alternative is to go out each day and find a grassy patch and let him graze for a while then return, then go further out until he settles into the idea that you are taking him interesting places.

Posted on Friday, Sep 10, 1999 - 7:03 pm:

Hello again Cindy.
A few suggestions on your riding technique...
When your horse is trying to turn left and you want to go right there are a couple of things you can try. Although it is true, a horse moves away from pressure, applied by your leg, that pressure can also be used, when applied smoothly and consistantly, to help a horse to bend in his ribcage.
Stand up straight, apply pressure to your right ribcage and notice what happens. Your right shoulder and neck should fall to your right. Use this to your advantage with your horse. When you apply pressure (not kicking) to the right side of your horse, direct rein him (or plow rein) with your right hand to the right. This should arc his body and make him bend in his ribcage making it easier for you to gain control of his head.
It is a good idea to use a o-ring or d-ring snaffle bit when doing these exercises. And remember, the more you practice - the more confident you will become. GOOD LUCK!

Posted on Saturday, Sep 11, 1999 - 3:00 am:

Hi Cindy
I agree with Darren and Joy, but maybe there's another issue here too... exactly who's boss??? Sometimes there's a fine line between a horse who doesn't understand what you are asking (and especially if the rider isn't very clear with the aids) and when a horse doesn't respect that the rider's requests must be obeyed. Especially with a rider who is greenish, some horses will take advantage because they're not picking up the attitude of confidently being in control. So much of successful riding is in your attitude.
Have you tried any round pen work? I suggest you ask someone to help you if you haven't done it before. Can make a lot of difference and persuade a horse to co-operate more happily.
Also, do you ride with a whip? Sometimes a sharp tap (definitely not anything severe!) can say to a horse "I'm the boss, and I MEAN BUSINESS!"
Hope it helps.
Karen

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 1, 2000 - 3:14 pm:

Hi Cindy,
I have a 5yr old mare that is rather head-strong. If I want a more responsive/cooperative ride, I have to work her in the round pen first. When she's really licking her lips, I know I've got her attention and she will then literally follow me through the field without any lead line. Once in the saddle, she is willing to do what I ask. I'm also a beginner at this. I've never owned a horse before her, and have only ridden seasoned horses. I have learned a lot from the John Lyons Perfect Horse book series. (I would recommend this series and am a believer in the benefits of the round pen). The biggest lesson is...patience. There have been some rides where the first 30 minutes seemed to be mostly circles...make the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy. If you have to do left circles all the way out that's okay, eventually your horse will get the idea it's much easier to just walk a nice straight line. Take little baby steps. You may have to take short trips away from the barn at first. I've had that trouble with my mare, and we would spend as much time as necessary going to and from the barn, each time we'd go out a little farther and return not so close to the barn. (Remember horses don't work by the clock) She eventually would settle down and realize it's not so bad being out. We'd stand "out there" and I'd pat her neck and verbally praise her. I don't use a whip, but I am firm in my requests. If she's afraid of being away from the barn, whipping her may just reinforce the fear. That's just my preference. Good Luck. Laura

Posted on Thursday, Nov 2, 2000 - 1:03 pm:

I have always been told if they do not want to leave home you go back to where they want to be and make it somewhat unpleasent. Work them in the arena or area they want to be, ask them to leave again if it persists go back work them again. Above all don't go back and brush, feed,pet, and take the saddle off and turn them loose, they have won. Leave them tied for awhile with the saddle on if possibly, safley away from their mates, soon they will associate a trail ride with comfort, better then working so hard at home. There is nothing better then having a partner to ride with usually this is never a problem but if you ride alone this sometimes is a safer solition.

Posted on Saturday, Nov 4, 2000 - 8:26 pm:

I have an arab that does a similar trick if we don't ride often enough , early on it was a battle of wills , and overcoming my fear of getting my butt thrown off when he balked , ha !
if I sense that he is in one of his moods , i tke a small stick with me and use it lightly as we leave the barn , so he can feel it , I found that the balking starts very early and subtle and if we get over it immediately I'm not sitting and waiting for the " big one" , also it takes time for him to respect you and trust you , I've had this particular horse for 9 months now and I am beginning to see his confidence soar as he is more cofortable with his surroundings , and trusting that I'll take care of the lions !If we do get balky now I only need to show the stick and he behaves.
Good luck
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