Ask The Trainer

My arab gelding has started a nasty habit of rearing on me. Lately when I ask for a left lead, he balks, then spins to the left to evade going forward while throwing his head. I have little to no contact on his reins. I've tried to keep him straight by bracing my left leg against him to not let him spin, it works for the most part, except now he thinks that rearing THEN spinning working better. How can I stop this dangerous habit of his, before it gets out of control? Thanks (Note: Have had my horse checked for soreness etc by vet and physio)

The problem, I think, is not just about refusing a left lead. I asked for a little more information about this horse before answering the question. I believe the horse has a total lack of respect. The rearing at the left lead is just his way of showing it. The horse's owner says "there are always changes in behavior" and "he generally tries to kill people he doesn't know that get on him". Horses that are inconsistent are a reflection of the handling they get.

I would go back to basics on the ground. The difficult part will be changing how you handle the horse. He needs to develop a better attitude towards people or he will continue to be a hazard. Respect from a horse is something that must be earned. It is through consistent disciplined handling that we achieve a truly respectful relationship with our horses.

Inconsistent handling causes confusion in our horses. This can cause reactions we do not want when we are asking for a specific response. If you deal with the respect issue and you are still having trouble, you might try backing off a little on the training. Without seeing the horse I can only assume what behavior and actions that the horse is exhibiting.

I would stop asking for lope departures and lead changes. I would trot many circles to the left; you could encourage the horse to lope without cueing it for a left lead. Let him pick it up when he wants too. If he picks up the left lead let him stop and reward him for doing so. Then do it again. Encourage him to lope at the same point of your circle so he will anticipate loping. Let him get comfortable picking up the left lead on his own. When he consistently picks up the correct lead on his own you can go back and be more specific about when he takes the left lead. Do not rush him, if he is a little sour it could take some time to work this out. If you praise him each time he does what you want he will know that he is on the right track. Do not expect perfection.

"Ask a little, accept less, and praise a lot!" - Larry Nelles.

Will Clinging 2004 (c)

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