hey so im a rider of 5 years and i have a horse whos barely a pony, hes a pinto morgan and ive had him for over 2 years now.
so my problem has always been a problem but over the years it has gotten worse. it started with turning around in corners in the canter to the right and i would just be able to pull him back around, but now since i have let him get away with this it has gotten to the point where if he wants to do something like get out of work or turn around or even eat grass!!! he does a little half rear and throws his head up and backs up and it scares the shiznad out of me!! i drop my reins and burst into tears everytime! hes a smart stubborn little hony and he knows he can get away with it and he knows it scares me!
i been having lessons for a while and moved barns 2 times, and my last trainer/good friend and i had finally come to a decision that hes not the right horse for me and that we are going to sell him.... :(
we have always had the finacial problem and paying for him and my dad has being kinding hinting to me to give him up for a while, but the problem is that i love him so much and i feel like i wont be able to ride after i sell him. i fell like i can fix him, i still have a little faith left, i still ride him all the time in the park, but not the ring.
he is curently for sale but i dont know what to do, its going to take a lot away from me.
so my problem has always been a problem but over the years it has gotten worse. it started with turning around in corners in the canter to the right and i would just be able to pull him back around, but now since i have let him get away with this it has gotten to the point where if he wants to do something like get out of work or turn around or even eat grass!!! he does a little half rear and throws his head up and backs up and it scares the shiznad out of me!! i drop my reins and burst into tears everytime! hes a smart stubborn little hony and he knows he can get away with it and he knows it scares me!
i been having lessons for a while and moved barns 2 times, and my last trainer/good friend and i had finally come to a decision that hes not the right horse for me and that we are going to sell him.... :(
we have always had the finacial problem and paying for him and my dad has being kinding hinting to me to give him up for a while, but the problem is that i love him so much and i feel like i wont be able to ride after i sell him. i fell like i can fix him, i still have a little faith left, i still ride him all the time in the park, but not the ring.
he is curently for sale but i dont know what to do, its going to take a lot away from me.
If you can't ride the horse, then you can't keep torturing yourself.
However, as someone who has retrained a horse that was unridable by anyone else, this shouldn't be too difficult to fix, if you can do it right. The first thing you need to do is realize what he does when he begins to rear. A lot of horses have to be in the correct balance to rear. One thing you need to do is start with some ground work. Get him so that he is listening to you with walk, trot, and canter. After that, start on the ground with the one-rein stop. When you are on the ground, get the horse to walk next to you then pull the head around gently towards your body and say "whoa". This requires him to flex his neck and then stop. Once he stops on the ground to this, repeat it at the walk and then the trot.
After you do THIS -- you need to face your fear with him. When you feel him tensing up or getting ready to be naughty, turn him in the direction he wants to swivel. Yet, instead of simply allowing him to be that way, swing him the rest of the way around so he is facing the direction you were wanting. Or, if he tenses up to rear, turn him straight around and go the other direction. If you don't have the bravery to do these things, just spin him in a circle.
Whatever you do, don't pull both reins back. Pull one to the side, but not while the horse is in the air. When the horse is in the air, just lean forward on the neck and wait until he is done. Never get off the horse for this, but if you absolutely have to, clip on a lunge line and lunge him walk, trot, and canter then get back up when you are more composed.
If you absolutely can't, then I suppose it isn't fair to yourself or him to keep up.
But I refuse to ever give up on a horse...
However, as someone who has retrained a horse that was unridable by anyone else, this shouldn't be too difficult to fix, if you can do it right. The first thing you need to do is realize what he does when he begins to rear. A lot of horses have to be in the correct balance to rear. One thing you need to do is start with some ground work. Get him so that he is listening to you with walk, trot, and canter. After that, start on the ground with the one-rein stop. When you are on the ground, get the horse to walk next to you then pull the head around gently towards your body and say "whoa". This requires him to flex his neck and then stop. Once he stops on the ground to this, repeat it at the walk and then the trot.
After you do THIS -- you need to face your fear with him. When you feel him tensing up or getting ready to be naughty, turn him in the direction he wants to swivel. Yet, instead of simply allowing him to be that way, swing him the rest of the way around so he is facing the direction you were wanting. Or, if he tenses up to rear, turn him straight around and go the other direction. If you don't have the bravery to do these things, just spin him in a circle.
Whatever you do, don't pull both reins back. Pull one to the side, but not while the horse is in the air. When the horse is in the air, just lean forward on the neck and wait until he is done. Never get off the horse for this, but if you absolutely have to, clip on a lunge line and lunge him walk, trot, and canter then get back up when you are more composed.
If you absolutely can't, then I suppose it isn't fair to yourself or him to keep up.
But I refuse to ever give up on a horse...
rider/owner for 11 years (since I was 7) rehabilitated an "unridable" horse, as well as an ex-race horse.
sounds like he is pretending to spook in the corners and is just being a little turd lol
you need to make him more scared of you then what ever is is running from
he knows you get scared so he goes oh well this will make her leave me alone so il keep doing it so you need to get mad at him get pissed make him do what you want him to and then be happy you have to try your best not to get scared or send him to a trainer for a little bit to try and work out the kinks
good luck
you need to make him more scared of you then what ever is is running from
he knows you get scared so he goes oh well this will make her leave me alone so il keep doing it so you need to get mad at him get pissed make him do what you want him to and then be happy you have to try your best not to get scared or send him to a trainer for a little bit to try and work out the kinks
good luck
I know it is really hard getting rid of a horse that you love! I did the same thing when I was in high school and I have had nothing but regrets.
As for the ponyish attitude that he has here is what I recommend... Instead when your cantering in the Arena do circles off the rail instead of staying against the rail. Keep his nose slightly turned in, this will help you keep control. As for the rearing when you feel like he is going to pull this stunt turn him in a tight circle both directions then ask again. He wont be able to back or rear when his nose is to your stirrups. Also this is a great way to help them stretch out their neck and back. Hope this helps!
As for the ponyish attitude that he has here is what I recommend... Instead when your cantering in the Arena do circles off the rail instead of staying against the rail. Keep his nose slightly turned in, this will help you keep control. As for the rearing when you feel like he is going to pull this stunt turn him in a tight circle both directions then ask again. He wont be able to back or rear when his nose is to your stirrups. Also this is a great way to help them stretch out their neck and back. Hope this helps!
I'm sorry for what I am about to say because you're probably not going to like it but here is what I believe is the truth in this situation.
You aren't going to help your horse is you keep him. You have developed the habit and keeping him around and allowing him to do it longer will only make it worst. You giving him the reins and bursting into tears is showing that you give up, that he scared you and that he wins and can get away with anything when he gives a little rear and does a little dance. Horses can sense what a rider is feeling and take full advantage of it. If he is not the horse for you than it is only far for his sake and your safety to get rid of him. If you are going to keep him you need to definetly stop breaking down when he has his fits. I'm not saying to ride him until hes like a bucking bronco, but it sounds like hes just having a little fit to make you scared..not to get you off or hurt. You need to try and stay on and strong for as long as possible so he can realise you are not giving up. If you cannot do that you need to get a confident rider on him that will...maybe your trainer. If you are selling him it is only fair for the potential owner to know that he does have a habit.
It would be a pretty easy habit to break, as long as you are consistant with it and never allow it.
If you do have financal problems then it is only fair for your father to not have to pay for your horse and its only fair for your horse so he can get full treatment and training if need. And its also fair for you because then you don't have the pressure of being in financal problems and having a horse.
If you are worried about not riding anymore if you sell him then consider working for barns to ride or have lessons.
My family has financal problems too. I have never been lucky enough to own a horse or lease one. I have had lessons on and off for the past 10 years and at that it was once everyother week. I now have 3 horses that I ride for free. All the horses I am riding are not problem horses or have any strings attached. It is simply that the owners have no clue what their doing, that the owner doesn't have time, and that one horse is out of shape. If you are a good enough rider and get yourself into barns and people see your talent then the horses may come to you.
Good Luck
I hope you and your pony find a solution thats right for both of you.
You aren't going to help your horse is you keep him. You have developed the habit and keeping him around and allowing him to do it longer will only make it worst. You giving him the reins and bursting into tears is showing that you give up, that he scared you and that he wins and can get away with anything when he gives a little rear and does a little dance. Horses can sense what a rider is feeling and take full advantage of it. If he is not the horse for you than it is only far for his sake and your safety to get rid of him. If you are going to keep him you need to definetly stop breaking down when he has his fits. I'm not saying to ride him until hes like a bucking bronco, but it sounds like hes just having a little fit to make you scared..not to get you off or hurt. You need to try and stay on and strong for as long as possible so he can realise you are not giving up. If you cannot do that you need to get a confident rider on him that will...maybe your trainer. If you are selling him it is only fair for the potential owner to know that he does have a habit.
It would be a pretty easy habit to break, as long as you are consistant with it and never allow it.
If you do have financal problems then it is only fair for your father to not have to pay for your horse and its only fair for your horse so he can get full treatment and training if need. And its also fair for you because then you don't have the pressure of being in financal problems and having a horse.
If you are worried about not riding anymore if you sell him then consider working for barns to ride or have lessons.
My family has financal problems too. I have never been lucky enough to own a horse or lease one. I have had lessons on and off for the past 10 years and at that it was once everyother week. I now have 3 horses that I ride for free. All the horses I am riding are not problem horses or have any strings attached. It is simply that the owners have no clue what their doing, that the owner doesn't have time, and that one horse is out of shape. If you are a good enough rider and get yourself into barns and people see your talent then the horses may come to you.
Good Luck
I hope you and your pony find a solution thats right for both of you.
First thing's first... the horse KNOWS that you get upset when he does this... and it has ruined him... you need to take charge instead of crying and letting him get away with it... get some spurs on his butt and MAKE him do what you want to do... BE AGGRESSIVE !!! If you can NOT ride aggressively, then you need a bombproof horse that you can do anything with.... so either learn to ride him better or sell him and get you another one that you can handle ! Hope i've helped... you MAY want to look into a trainer to help you get over your fears and learn to ride aggressively.... Good luck to you hun !
Horse owner/20 plus yrs horse experience
You say you have a horse problem. But I'd say, your horse has a people problem :-)
You say: "i drop my reins and burst into tears everytime"
Reality check: Horses don't know what this means. You've trained your horse to do what he does, because he only knows 2 things:
There is pressure on his mouth from you pulling on him and that has been overused and so, you have taught him that the reins don't mean anything, so he learns to ignore you and if that doesn't work, to fight you..... all for that release of pressure.
Where is the release of pressure?
By crying and throwing the reins away, you gave him the release of pressure at the WRONG time. This is all he knows. So, he learns quickly, if he fights long enough and hard enough, he will get a release of pressure. You trained him to do that.
He's not stubborn, he's not trying to "get away" with anything. It's a simple matter of "where is the release?"
If instead of fighting him and pulling hard on his mouth and trying to force him to do things, you picked up ONE rein and asked him to find the release by bending his head around toward your boot toe and move his hip over (so....his body will go around your inside leg...if you picked up the left rein, his left hip moves to the right and this crosses his hind feet).....and when he gives to this pressure you released the rein....when he relaxed and stopped his feet, you gave em the release....
Then he'd learn that the release is when he gives to pressure, relaxes and listens to you.
Sorry, but your skill as is...are not good enough for a horse that needs an experienced person.
You need an older horse that has more of a babysitter mentality....one who is forgiving of heavy hands while you teach yourself how to use the reins correctly and not pull on them....while you teach yourself how to use pressure and release of pressure.....a horse that will build your confidence.
If you really want to keep this horse, though...yes, you can make things work, but only if you're willing to change how you do things.....your horse is only reflecting your skills, lack of...so if you step up and be a leader and not a reactive rider but an active rider by applying pressure and release correctly,....your horse can then change.
But he can't change by himself. He can't change before you do.
Your horse doesn't want to fight. He doesn't want to rear. He doesn't know another way to get a release of pressure. So, his instincts kick in and he listens to them instead of to you....he's normal, in other words. Only when the training or the rider's skill level is lacking, does the horse resort to his instincts to find a release of pressure.
So, get some training for yourself with a good trainer who knows for real how to handle horses correctly and humanely....and raise your skills and this will raise your confidence and then your horse can change and show you that you have made your communication skills better.
This horse is only 5 years old. this means he's very young and just learning how to get along with a rider on his back. He needs someone with lots of confidence. Are you going to be that person?
p.s. please don't listen to the BAD advice about getting spurs and getting aggressive. Those days of force the horse to be your slave by way of beating him with spurs is over. There are humane and real training ways available. That person needs to realize this is the year 2009, not 1872 ;- P
You say: "i drop my reins and burst into tears everytime"
Reality check: Horses don't know what this means. You've trained your horse to do what he does, because he only knows 2 things:
There is pressure on his mouth from you pulling on him and that has been overused and so, you have taught him that the reins don't mean anything, so he learns to ignore you and if that doesn't work, to fight you..... all for that release of pressure.
Where is the release of pressure?
By crying and throwing the reins away, you gave him the release of pressure at the WRONG time. This is all he knows. So, he learns quickly, if he fights long enough and hard enough, he will get a release of pressure. You trained him to do that.
He's not stubborn, he's not trying to "get away" with anything. It's a simple matter of "where is the release?"
If instead of fighting him and pulling hard on his mouth and trying to force him to do things, you picked up ONE rein and asked him to find the release by bending his head around toward your boot toe and move his hip over (so....his body will go around your inside leg...if you picked up the left rein, his left hip moves to the right and this crosses his hind feet).....and when he gives to this pressure you released the rein....when he relaxed and stopped his feet, you gave em the release....
Then he'd learn that the release is when he gives to pressure, relaxes and listens to you.
Sorry, but your skill as is...are not good enough for a horse that needs an experienced person.
You need an older horse that has more of a babysitter mentality....one who is forgiving of heavy hands while you teach yourself how to use the reins correctly and not pull on them....while you teach yourself how to use pressure and release of pressure.....a horse that will build your confidence.
If you really want to keep this horse, though...yes, you can make things work, but only if you're willing to change how you do things.....your horse is only reflecting your skills, lack of...so if you step up and be a leader and not a reactive rider but an active rider by applying pressure and release correctly,....your horse can then change.
But he can't change by himself. He can't change before you do.
Your horse doesn't want to fight. He doesn't want to rear. He doesn't know another way to get a release of pressure. So, his instincts kick in and he listens to them instead of to you....he's normal, in other words. Only when the training or the rider's skill level is lacking, does the horse resort to his instincts to find a release of pressure.
So, get some training for yourself with a good trainer who knows for real how to handle horses correctly and humanely....and raise your skills and this will raise your confidence and then your horse can change and show you that you have made your communication skills better.
This horse is only 5 years old. this means he's very young and just learning how to get along with a rider on his back. He needs someone with lots of confidence. Are you going to be that person?
p.s. please don't listen to the BAD advice about getting spurs and getting aggressive. Those days of force the horse to be your slave by way of beating him with spurs is over. There are humane and real training ways available. That person needs to realize this is the year 2009, not 1872 ;- P
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