Rearing Horse

I've encountered a new situation and am looking for advice. My 5 year old gelding is starting a new habit of rearing when I want him to stand still. He's not getting much height however I want to get this sorted out before it gets serious.

I have lounged him and he stops and stands well. The same in the round pen. He likes open spaces and loves to run. I've had him for about six months and all his previous training and experience has been in riding arenas, whereas I take him out into open fields and trails. On trails he's excellent and at times cautious. In the open he's impatient to run. Thoughts.....

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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth J. Chilcott on January 1, 2010 at 7:02pm

As to letting a horse run on the lunge....bad idea. The torque produced on the fetolock joint even when lunging in complete balance is significant. Having a horse at speed lunging and the amount of strain is severe. I know of at least three horses who have broken their legs running on a lunge line.

Have you ever done any safety corner and position training? These are very good to get a horse to listen to you. The Perrelli games are also good for this. Also if you get on and he moves off. Get off and keep getting on and off until he will stand still and only then continue your ride. Also, mounting in a confined space like a round pen, small paddock or indoor might be helpful.

Also, if you do decide to let him gallop, allow him to go until him to go until he wants to quit and then insist he go somewhat further until you ask him to quit. He may find that running is not such a good idea. Let him catch his breath and pick up a lope again on a loose /light rein. If he takes off repeat the exercise. When he picks up the lope, stays at the speed you set and pulls up when you wish, he has got the idea.

Liz

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Permalink Reply by steve critchley on January 7, 2010 at 2:18pm

The different points of view are helpful and appreciated. It helps provide options should one method prove to be ineffective. It keeps coming back to effective groundwork which of course makes sense. Thanks

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Permalink Reply by steve critchley on January 7, 2010 at 2:15pm

It comes down to effective ground work.....thank you.

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Permalink Reply by Kathryn Elliott on January 9, 2010 at 7:27pm

I have a young mare 4 yrs old she can lunge long rein in round pen and I had a terrific girl who finished breaking her for me see my young horse would sit on her hind legs even tho she is small it's still scary. I had a terrific fearless girl finish her for me. always keep the horse going forward can't rear if forward when she stopped she would move her in another direction keep forward keep horse interested in the work. careful with the bit no pulling light hands forward to the legs or light whip not on HEAD! I always lunge my young horse before I get on it's does get the kinks out but the horse must behave on the lunge too it's learning time not tantrum time. Let your horse outside to play with friends young horses are like children need to work off steem and play although make sure your horse does not have any pain from the saddle or teeth. eleminate any physical problems. Stick to a training program .Kat

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Synnot on January 3, 2010 at 12:56pm

I disagree with letting your horse run.

Rearing is a serious problem, and corrections are all about timing. I would recommend looking around in your area for someone who specializes in this. The last thing you want is your horse flipping over, injuring you or itself.

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Permalink Reply by steve critchley on January 7, 2010 at 2:19pm

Thankfully I have that option available.

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Lamm on January 8, 2010 at 11:26am

is he getting any calmer at all???? how are things going Steve? i did some effective ground work with my horse and it really just made us both calmer and more confident together.... slowing down is sometimes a good thing to do...

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Permalink Reply by steve critchley on January 8, 2010 at 1:34pm

Due to weather I've not had a chance to do any meaningful work with him. The round pen has over a meter of snow and though there is room in the barn it becomes too dusty. However the weather breaks as of today ( has gone from -30c with wind chill to +2 c overnight)so I should get some work in then. As I mentioned, he's eager to go and wonderful on trails and very calm then. Will keep you posted, many thanks.

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Permalink Reply by steve critchley on January 9, 2010 at 2:58pm

Will do.

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Permalink Reply by splash on January 9, 2010 at 3:43pm

JMHO, but when horses rear it's often because they feel they have only that choice. If you are completely blocking their forward motion and they feel the need to react then "up" is the only place left to go.

That said perhaps you need to check what signals you are sending to your horse? If you ask your horse to stop and he does then he needs to know he has responded correctly. For him, an immediate release of rein pressure and a relaxed deep seated rider allows him to take a deep breath and know he's done good. If you don't release the rein IMMEDIATELY and sit deeply and relax your own body he may be getting conflicting messages.

Holding the rein too long and not relaxing your own body, signals to him that the stop for a shortened rein is not the response you wanted. You haven't rewarded him by releasing the rein and relaxing.

Instead of reflexively grabbing the reins and stopping him when he tries to step off check your own postition and remind yourself to relax and trust him to stand. BELIEVE he will!

It's a learning process and yes he may continue to try and step out but focus yourself on being relaxed, let him know stopping is good stuff. It's relaxing, wonderful! When/if he steps out just gently pick up the reins and remind him to stop, then recheck yourself and make sure you are relaxed and maybe stroke his neck and remind him he is being a "good boy".

Rearing really is usually the result of a horse feeling up is the only way he has to go. Relax the reins. Check yourself first! If you "believe" he will stop with your whole body then he will!

Hope that doesn't sound too "airy fairy" for you? I learned the hard way, lol. Trust yourself and your horse will trust you.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by steve critchley on January 12, 2010 at 6:08pm

Thanks for all the comments. As an update went for a ride, just Regent and me a couple of days ago. Other than stepping off when getting into the saddle he was great. No problems with rearing, stopping waiting etc. Next day went with another horse and rider and he was stepping off again. Used some of the comments provided as a means of additional ground work and he did much better. Will keep working with him and as always advice is welcome.....