It's actually my friend's horse that wont stop but we will be on a trailride and we'll canter or gallop or even trot but when we go to stop he just keeps running past us. We've tried a stronger bit (a kimberwhick) but it only helped a little. Any suggestions?
2006-11-18 08:54:43 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
the stronger bit only makes the problem worse. Start by putting the horse back on a snaffle bit. Ride in a ring/arena (If you don't have a ring available you can do this on the trails too.) Upwards and downwards transitions - lots of them - walk to trot, trot to walk, walk to halt and so on. This horse needs some re-schooling. Once he is mindful and listening you can go on the trails but I would not , for safetys sake, canter until you have him listening well to you at the trot. This could take weeks. Also have his mouth checked by a vet. He may have some problem with his teeth. Horses will run from pain. Good luck and be safe.
2006-11-18 09:08:46 · answer #1 · answered by smartgrrlz 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First, get him checked by a vet because he may be sore or something could be wrong. Make sure the saddle and bridle fits. Also make sure his teeth are floated.
If all of the above is okay, then your horse probably has a very common problem: he is hard-mouthed. Do not use a stronger bit, horses pull away from pressure. Go back to a mild snaffle and I would suggest training the horse in an arena or round pen. Teach him to halt by using your seat and legs. If you feel you can't do this, consult a trainer.
One way to do this: start your horse out at a walk, lean back and bring your legs forward, and say WHOA. If he doesn't stop, use the bit and back him up (do NOT jerk on the reins). Make sure you are relaxed. Keep practicing and depending on how fast of a learner your horse is, your horse will begin to stop when you lean back. May take a few days to a month or so. Once he halts and stands when you lean back at the walk, start over at the trot, then eventually the canter.
I'm also asuming your horse has good ground manners and respects you under saddle. Consult a trainer if you do not feel you can do this, and good luck!!
2006-11-21 16:45:38 · answer #2 · answered by yayme616 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As other answers say - a stronger bit won't help. "Smartgrrlz" said the right thing. PLenty of arena work, upward and downward transitions are excellent! Varying circle sizes, serpentines, figure 8's, trotting polls, all these will teach both horse AND rider control and discipline.
try to avoid trailrides for the moment. as this seems to be where the problems are mainly. Once the horse is going sweetly in the arena then you progress to outrides. It may also help to bring in a private trainer. I realise that they can be costly but worth it in the long run...the trainer mustnt ride the horse - but the TEACH both horse and rider!
Hope this helps!!!
2006-11-18 22:19:45 · answer #3 · answered by Kismet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
theres not really one specific answer to this question.
but it is pretty certian that a stronger bit WILL NOT do the trick not for long anyway, the horse's mouth will eventually get used to this stronger bit and you will have to get another and another and so on.
I would say that you're pretty uch garenteed that the problem is with the rider, not the horse.
one commen problem is that the rider keeps a too tight hold on the reins the whole time they are rideing and the horse doest even notice when the want to slowdown.
try giving a series of small tugs (not too sharply though) on the reins when its time for a slower pace.
you might want to get an experienced rider or trainer to watch and see if they can findout what you're doing wrong.
hope this helps :)
2006-11-18 17:46:01 · answer #4 · answered by kait 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Using a stronger bit will not help you
eventually the horse will get used to it, or get so frustrated, you will end up with MORE problems. Make sure that your friend is not bracing/ get tense when he tries to get the horse to stop, the horse will be able to sense that. Sit back, and really deep.
a few questions to ask yourself:
Is the horse getting enough turnout?
Is the horse being fed too much (giving him too much energy)
Is the horse on a regular riding schdule?
Remember each horse is diffrent
2006-11-18 20:43:21 · answer #5 · answered by Leann&Stevie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree this horse needs some re-schooling by a competent trainer and you and your friend may wnat to take some lessons if you are not already.
Have his mouth checked by a vet and put him back onto a softer bit. I would stay off the trails if possible and work on transitions and halts. Get the horse listening to you.
2006-11-18 17:13:59 · answer #6 · answered by digitsis 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can look into a hackamore. On some horses it does wonders some don't adjust to it. All my horses where one for gymkhana because they stop much better and turn easier than with a bit. test one out in a ring before heading on the trail. Good luck
2006-11-20 15:04:48 · answer #7 · answered by emily 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brace the rein in one hand against pommel of saddle. Shorten the oposite rein and pull on it. This will force the horse to turn in a circle, which in turn will force it to slow down. That is for emergencies and should not be used constantly. This horse needs to be retrained by a competent horse trainer.
2006-11-18 17:04:57 · answer #8 · answered by Andastra 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A stronger bit will not fix your problem.
You need to learn how to do a one rein stop and practice it.
If you have a trainer or take lessons ask how it is done.
It is the best and one of the safer ways to stop a horse who is running with you.
2006-11-18 16:58:25 · answer #9 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
grab the rein right up near his head wiht one hand and pull back with that hand as hard as you can and plant ur hand on the saddle right beside ur knee. the horses head will be forced to wrap around and turn back towards you so that he will go in a circle adn have to stop. if done correctly this should work.
2006-11-18 22:18:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋