My 5 year old gelding is abosolutly wonderful in every way he is smart, good natured and has fun learning new tricks. The problem is he is a lazy little slug when it comes to moving forward. In one way its great because I ride him out on trails and NEVER get run off with, a dream for most people right? I have had the vet look at him a couple of times thinking he was hurting and experienced horsemen look at the tack, all come back with the same answer...."he's got your number!"
I've done the usual rope, crop, spurs which only result in a few crow hops or the occasional full out buck. (and no I don't get off when he does that) He has the slowest walk and needs to catch up with a few trot steps with anyone we ride with.
At the trot he puts just enough effort into it to call it a trot and when I get after him it lasts a few strides then he dies out again. At the canter the same thing, I guess there is something to be said for not getting run off with but this is getting tiresome!
In the ring it is 10 times worse than on trails. It frustrates me to no end because I see the amazing athlete that he is when turned out, he has the most amazing extended trot that I just cant get out of him under saddle.
Any suggestions?
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Horse Behavior and Training
Lazy mover
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Monty has a giddy up rope that really works, try that.
It is made of yarn and does not hurt the horse in any way.
NO PAIN !!!!! Slow your breathing, the horse knows your anxious.
It doesn't hurt to get off a horse, especially if your frustrated, horses are very sensitive to EVEYTHING around them especially who is on their back. If you are frustrated your horse knows, get off walk a while leading the horse gently, breathing deeply and before you know it your horse will willingly give it's best for you.
We earn our horse's trust. Try this and post if it works for you.
You might want to watch Monty's videos on the balking horse. Perhaps some of his ideas would help in your situation.
Oh, yes - the Walter Wont Go Forward series. Don't know why I didn't think to mention that before. Its a great series.
What kind of feed does your horse get? It sounds like he is a good guy, but maybe he doesn't have the energy to go forward. Investigate changing/altering his feed - it sounds internal to me not something external.
Good luck
hahaha My horse is like that. You have to work for every step. It's hard work i know how you feel! Altho mine is getting a bit better. My horse has taught me to nag, which i am trying to break now.
I seem to have to kick him every step and when i stop kicking he stops. lol my instructor is trying to get me to sit still and if i have to kick, make it count (multiple kicks in a row). Altho on my rides out if i squeeze and hold until he goes that seems to work - except when it comes to the canter lol
I watched the Walter won't move videos. They were great! I have not had that particular problem yet!!!
But Monty's advice is great and he shows that all three pieces are needed at the beginning to get the positive results. I also liked the way he said to make sure the reins are loose, cool.
A great watch and much to learn. I'm pretty sure you would enjoy them as much as I did.
Ronda
HI My 6 year old gelding is exactly the same. He has taught me to nag which is very frustrating and hard to break. I squeeze him on and he moves forward but then goes right back to being a slug again. I tried the giddy up rope this morning, but was a bit anxious he might take off bucking as he has a tendency to buck sometimes. I went a bit cautiously but eventually plucked up the courage and used it to which he took of at a canter. However I couldn't keep an even speed, he would slow down again after a while. I ended up doing a lot of halt to trot and trot to halt transitions and backing up from the halt in between which helped a bit although it was quite tiring for him. I plan to try this again soon but anyone else s experience with using the giddy up rope would be handy.Timing is everything I imagine and how can it help to maintain the pace once achieved?