FAQ's, Common Problems, Solutions and Safety Tips!
Mounting Problems:
This clip's title says it all, "How Not To Mount A
Horse". So first, let's go over what not to do. You
can see the horse is tied to the fence, and just about
pinned against it with the mounting block. As any
student of conditioned response knows, you can't
make a horse stand still, and the harder you try- the
bigger the wreck. Making a horse feel trapped
usually does not help them stand calmly. Fortunately,
this horse was an exception to the rule, just a little
nervous even with the saddle slipping. You can see
there's nowhere for the horse to go except into the
fence or on top of the rider.
Forward Movement Problems:
Many people can pony their unbroke horse or lead
them with a rider, but have trouble getting them to
walk off under saddle. As this clip shows, kicking is
not the safest way to get the horse to walk off
calmly. A better thing to do is pick up one rein and
bring the horse's head to the side. Have him keep it
there and wait for him to step around to straighten
himself out. Be patient and just wait! He will move
forward. Gradually increase the frequency of your
requests and pretty soon, when you pick up a rein
the horse will walk off. The horse does not know the
leg cue (because you haven't taught it) and kicking
might scare him and cause this kind of a wreck.
Once he's calmly and consistently walking off with a
rein cue, comfortable with carrying a rider, and
stopping well then we'll introduce leg cues. I think
you'll agree that a stop cue is more important than a
go cue, so we'll want to be sure we can stop the
horse before we ever think about getting on.
Having a helper on the ground to start off with
sounds like a good idea, but . . .
If you've never witnessed anything like this, good. I
hope you never do. This isn't a freak accident. Do not
attempt to correct this on your own. Get experienced
professional help.
Here's how you do it. Good boy Gio!
Crossing Obstacles:
Out on the trail, there's all kinds of things you might
have to cross. The smaller the obstacle and the more
hesitant the horse is about it the more likely it is that
he'll jump it. Be ready! Practice at home with tarps,
bridges, puddles, etc. to get you and your horse
confident negotiating all kinds of obstacles. Take
your time out on the trail and go around if necessary.
Also, if you can't ride your horse across it, leading
him is not necessarily a good idea as he may jump on
top of you. Good thing this guy got out of the way,
and not for obstructing the camera!
Things Attached To The Horse:
This could include a saddle, flank strap, rope, ribbon,
you, saddle packs- anything like that. Be sure to
avoid getting anything caught on the horse. If the
horse becomes scared and moves he could panic
with the scary object "chasing" him. This kind of
situation can result in serious injury to the horse,
humans and property.
Leading Problems:
Manners? Respect? This pony has none. He's rearing,
pulling and running over the handler. The handler is
jerking on the line and hitting to correct the pony.
Jerking and hitting usually doesn't help, often that just
make things worse. You'll need to teach the horse to
bring his head down, move his shoulder away from
you, and stop.
Stay Out of Kicking Range:
When you want to drive a horse forward from the
ground, whether it's in the roundpen or paddock,
through a gate, into a trailer, out of the stall or
whatever the reason- stay out of kicking range!
Even if your horse isn't a kicker, it only takes one
time to get hurt.
Breeding:
Should I breed my mare, it might be a fun experience? No.
Should I wait to have my colt gelded, I may want to use him for breeding later? No, consult your vet and have the procedure done asap.
For more information, go to the Unwanted Horse Coalition. Learn what they mean about own responsibly and be part of the solution.
Keep America Beautiful:
Everyone must get involved now. If you're not part
of the solution, then you're part of the problem.
Stuck:
I'm writing to ask you about training for a particular horse of mine. . . . this horse is just over my head. I'm in Parelli Level 2 and if
you're familiar at all with that program, this horse has a horseanility of Left Brain Extrovert, which means that he is very playful,
dominant and not easily frightened. He has little respect/confidence for humans. He was this way when we purchased him and he has
come a long way but I think I've taken him as far as I can. I just don't have any more ideas on what to do. So I'm looking for outside
help. Like most drafts, he pushes through pressure. Doesn't like to pick up his feet. This horse was a project for me but I just don't
have the time to bring him to where I want him to be. Now we have ridden him on trails and he does fine. He just doesn't stand to be
mounted and can be heavy on the bit. He has bucked on my husband once. He has taken off with my husband once. I know that it's
because he doesn't fully trust or respect a human. Granted, he has come a long way. I'm sure just some consistency with his training and
a little bit of time and he'll be great. Or at least, that is my hope. There is always the possibility that he is not suited for our purposes and
in that case, we will be looking to find him a new home.
This is a horse that does what he wants, when he wants. No respect, pushes through pressure, won't pick up his feet or stand for
mounting, bucks, and takes off with you!! I'll agree that he's come a long way if he was purchased in Montana. From a training
standpoint, left brain extrovert horseanility notwithstanding, he's doing what he's always done.
I'm not familiar with the Parelli program, but it is natural for all equines to resist pressure. This horse must be in Level 10!
Since this horse isn't very well under control on the ground, it'd be wise not to get on his back. Kudos for realizing the need for outside
help before someone gets hurt. ER trips are expensive, so a good trainer will save you money without any pain and suffering : )
Horse Can't Stand Still:
Not the horses fault. You probably just need the
appropriate attire.