My horse keeps backing up when I try to get on her - why would she do this and how do I stope her?

Answer 1

My young gelding did that when I first got him and if I was alone it was a real pain because he is so tall.I took a lunge line and wrapped it around his hind end,just above his hocks.When I started to get on, he would start to back up and then feel the line as I was holding it tightly while I said "whoa."Eventually he stopped backing up.

Answer 2

There are many reasons why your horse could be backing up when you try to get on her. She could be trying to resist you riding her, and if that is the case, then you might need to either have someone hold her or just put your foot in the stirrup and get on, making her back up even more if she doesn't stand still while being mounted. She might also be in pain, and if that is the case, you need to call your vet immediatly. It probably isn't anything too serious, but it could just be a bad habit, which you would probably need a trainer to help you if it was a habit.
Good luck and I hope it helps!!

Answer 3

The horse really doesn´t care which side you start on, but horses like consistency. Most riders and stables train their horses to be mounted from the left. So stand next to the left shoulder of your horse.

The reins should be on the horse´s neck already, since you intend to use them once you´re up. You want to be able to control the horse should it start moving as you get up. So put your left hand on the reins, and put your right hand on the back of the saddle.

OK, now the leg-strengthening part. Put your left leg in the stirrup. Pointing forward of course. Push up with your leg, steady yourself with your arms, and swing your right foot over to the other side. Try not to tug too much on the reins as you do this, the horse might interpret that as a command. That might be bad :).

Answer 4

She doesn't want you to get on!

Have her back and saddle checked, and if both those are ok then she is being naughty.

The best thing to do here is de-sensitise her to you getting on. Stand by the saddle as if you are gonna get on. If she starts backing up, let her, and walk with her, don;t move away from her side, follow her. She will get fed up eventually, and when she does and she stands, stroke her and make her feel good. Do the same again and again and again until you can stand by her and she stands still.

Then take a hold on the reins and raise your foot to the stirrup as if you were going to get on. If she moves around, let her, don't let her walk off, keep a hold of the reins but let her move around in a circle if she wants to. When she stands, stroke her again. Keep raising your foot to the stirrup til she gets the message and realises you are not getting on. Once she stands just keep putting your foot in and out of the stirrup again and again and again.

Do the same procedure with getting on in stages. Pull yourself up in the stirrup (but don't get on), then gently get on and off a number of times.

This will desensitise her and should stop the problem of walking backwards.

Answer 5

Check that your saddle fits correctly. As a long-time judge I am amazed at how many riders use saddles that fit badly. Make sure you don't stick your toe in her sides, and let your handler control her head by holding the noseband rather than the reins, and don't put any pressure on her mouth. Try mounting from a mounting block and therefore not pulling on the saddle. Let yourself down very slowly into the saddle and make a fuss of her only if she HAS stood still. You could get her teeth and back checked to make sure she isn't in any pain.

Answer 6

First make sure your reins aren't tied together. Place the right rein over the saddle horn, with your left rein in your left hand place your foot in the stirrup. Put enough pressure on the left rein so his head is turned slightly to the left and down a bit. If this doesnt work then tie a rope to his left front hoof and lift it up so he is three legged, carefully mount him and allow the leg to drop at the same time. Good luck.

Answer 7

Try asking someone else to come and stand at her head and hold the reins while you get on and while you get sorted. If you can break her of the habit, she should improve. Also make sure you are not pulling back on her mouth as you are getting on.

Answer 8

Are you pulling on the reins when you are getting on?
Put your horses butt in the corner of a fence and then get on.

Answer 9

She is trying to show you who is boss! Just remember, you are the boss and she is there to "work" for you.Give her lots of fuss and attention but show her that you are the leader!

Answer 10

she might have pain some where try putting a sack of flour on her back and try to walk her before you get on her to calm her down