Hi all,
Recently I have been riding my horse and she has developed a really annoying habit of stopping and refusing point blank to move. Eventually I have to get off and I know that this is only teaching her to stop more frequently.
I don't really know how I have caused this, but I think it must have been my fault somewhere along the lines as, usually I am the only one who rides her. So any ideas?
I make sure that when she does take even the tiniest step that I take leg off as a reward but this seems not to work, she still refuses to move at random intervals. If I am sat on her and someone else tries to lead her then she just sinks all her weight into the ground and refuses to budge. I'm out of ideas so I was wondering if anyone else has the same problem? And if anyone has any suggestions as to what to do then I would be grateful. :)
Thanks,
Abi x
here are a few thoughts 9none intended as rude just as ideas):
have you had saddle, back and teeth checked?
is she bored? does she do the same if you hack out?
is she the same if you long line her?
sore feet? do you pull back without realising it?
my boy can be "lazy" when bored so we put poles etc out to "wake him up".
does anyone else ride her? and if so is she the same for them?
i'm sure more experienced people will have more ideas than me.
good luck x
Hi EquiAbi,
You posted another post yesterday about seperation anxiety, are they both about the same horse? Could the two problems be related? Please tell us a little bit more about your horse, the age, experiences it had etc.
That way it's easier to get a full picture of your situation and then try to give you some suggestions. Did you watch the "Walter won't go forward"-series here on this Uni?
Still it could be a totally different problem you're dealing with, so provide some more information, please.
Miriam
One iteresting idea that came to my mind is that it may not be your horse, but you. Horses are very sensitive to your emotions. Based on your description, she may be stopping when you feel nervous or out of place about something. Assuming that you have waited until she stops to ask someone to lead her on, when she sinks her feet in and refuses to budge she might be saying that she does not think that you will be safe (or her for that matter) if she continues forward.
If only I could go back and edit my previous posts. Interesting, not iteresting. My bad
Why does the horse react like that?
Fear: would be on a trail, when strange things happen. Passing by foot helps or passing with another horse or a second trainer in front. It does not happen in a quiet environment.
Misunderstanding: The horse does not know what to do. Training with a second trainer and a Dually helps.
Rebellion: The horse has learned to take its own decisions. This is probably the case. The behaviour must not be tolerated, never. I would try with a second trainer and the Dually. As soon as he stops and does not react to the cues he will be schooled with the Dually.
Rudi
Here is some more information:
She is an 18 year old mare and she has been ridden by some others and she does do the same with them.
It is the same horse with the separation anxiety and I think that does play a part in her behaviour because if the other horse moves on then she will usually move but the thing is that the other horse is just as bad. She wont move if my horse wont move but my horse wont move if she wont move!
She does do the same when I hack out and I cant get her back checked as I loan her and the owner would have to pay for it (and he wont).
I will try the dually idea and see how it goes :)
Thanks x
Have you watched the video series "Walter Won't Go Forward"? They have some very useful tips/ideas in them. The giddy up rope being one of them.
Also I echo what others have said about working with the dually on the ground and also whilst being lead by another horse.
Also I would through some long-lining in there too. And long-line everywhere - in the arena, out where you go hacking etc.