My mare is getting better on the ground, but refuses to mive faster than a walk. I've tried everything I can think of, including spurs, a crop, and slapping back and forth with a lead. I know I'm just supposed to get her moving in any direction, but I don't have an arena, just my backyard. Therefore, she will practically back herself close to the barn and refuse to move at all. At this point I can't make her do anything other than lateral bending unless I get off and lead her. I know I need to gain her respect, but that would be easier if I could first solve this problem. Thanks for any help at all!!!
2006-12-12 12:10:20 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Get rid of all the extra aids. She sounds very barn soar therefore to get her over that you need to show her that being away from the barn is alright or even better than being at the barn. Do a lot of lunging and other work right next to the barn, since that is the only place she wants to move. When she really starts listening and paying attention to you ask her to stop and walk her away from the barn for a brief rest. If she starts to get antsy take her back to the barn and work her. When she starts showing signs of listening (head dropping, licking, etc.) take her away once again for a rest. And when I say work I mean get those feet moving somewhere and quickly. Turns, stops, serpentines, etc., get her working. Either riding or on the ground it doesn't matter. The main thing to keep in mind is to reward the slightest try. She knows she can get away with this, but you can totally turn that around. If you need anything else let me know : ) You can do this, Good Luck
2006-12-12 12:27:31 · answer #1 · answered by Horsetrainer89 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First off, call your vet and have him look over her, it sounds like it could possibly be a physical problem, also check your saddle and bridle, make sure the bit doesn't pinch, the saddle's flocking is even, etc. Since you mentioned that she will do other things when you are leading her, it definately points towards a back or saddle problem.
If it all checks out ok, try giving her three light taps with you heel, if she moves, even just a smidge, release the reins, and give her a pat and a good girl. If she doesn't move, give her a big, sharp kick with spurs and a crop behind your leg, that should get her moving. When she moves, a big good girl and a pat are in need. If she trots, let her go a few strides, and then gently pull her up and end the session, the biggest reward for a horse! Spurs, crops, and big kicks shouldn't be used alot because she will begin to ignore those aids.
Also, lungeing would be a good idea, also getting your trainer involved, as this is a huge problem.
2006-12-12 12:29:37 · answer #2 · answered by Kamikaze 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Firstly get rid of the spurs etc. No horse should be forced to do anything but should want to. I suggest closing off an area where you can ride without her getting too close to the barn. If she stops continue asking her to move forward and as soon as she tries (this can even be shifting her weight forward) reward her and release the pressure then try again. She'll eventually get the idea. Good luck and happy holidays.
2006-12-13 06:10:28 · answer #3 · answered by Horse crazy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She won't move until you gain her respect, which it does not seem like you. She has been showing you this fact by ignoring your previous attempts, and will continue to ignore you. I would recommend getting help from a trainer in your area. She is most likely going to go through a period where she will protest much harder than her current standing routine. Without knowing you, your riding level and your training background, it is unfair to both you and your horse to give you suggestions that may be beyond your abilities. A good trainer should be able to help you work through this. Best of luck.
2006-12-12 12:34:48 · answer #4 · answered by skachicah35 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like a respect issue, and she may not think of you as the leader. (Or she might just be extremely lazy.) I would recommend using basic training and natural horsemanship methods, using Pat Parelli's ideas (or someone similar.) You could buy a book of his, and use the round pen training to get her to really listen to you. Here is a link to his website...
http://www.parelli.com/
Good luck, and I hope this helps!
2006-12-12 12:29:45 · answer #5 · answered by horsegirl22 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you dont already, lunge your horse before you ride. i have the opposite problem with all of my horses, but i still think i can help. if you have surrounding fields, try to get permission and ride in them. Let your horse open up once she gets used to her surroundings, and chances are, she will start going faster. Work her on more vigorous courses, and always give her lots of rewards. hope this helps!!
2006-12-12 14:02:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try lunge lining her with verbal commands.
When you have her at a walk give a firm “Trot!” and get her going.
You can later use the verbal command to help reinforce what you want her to do.
2006-12-12 12:15:58 · answer #7 · answered by ljn331 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gey you a whip out sometimes it works I know I have 2 stubbern horses
2006-12-13 13:12:06 · answer #8 · answered by shawna s 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
why don't you try to leave tracks of carrots on the ground
2006-12-12 12:18:31 · answer #9 · answered by rainbow 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
tell her that if she don't move you'll sent her to the glue factory
2006-12-12 12:18:46 · answer #10 · answered by Dreamweaver 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋