What to do when problems crop up - Part 1

Cooperation under saddle begins with good ground manners. If despite your best efforts you are still having problems with your horse in the stable, don’t panic! Here are some things for you to consider:

General welfare

Before any type of training can be undertaken there are obvious areas that need to be paid attention to.

First and foremost, is the horse in good enough condition to do what you are asking him to do? Can he bend his head to the left and right? Is he flexible? Are his teeth in good condition? Does he suffer from any ailments which might stop him from being ridden i.e. a sore back, withers or girth galls?
Making sure your horse is not lame and that he is physiologically sound are very important components.

Time spent around your horse such as mucking out and watching how he moves and stands will help build up a thorough knowledge of him and help you identify any problems. I once had a horse that used to pull his shavings back and stand with his bottom higher than his front end because he was more comfortable that way. He was taking his weight off a particular area and this was a clear indicator that he was suffering from a problem causing soreness.

Establishing discipline

Discipline is established as a matter of routine and consistency in that routine.

Your horse should come to you in the stable, allow you to catch him and lead him. Any strength that the horse uses against you i.e. he pulls against you on a lead rope and runs off; he barges through the stable door; he pushes you out of the way in the stable; are traits which are not healthy. The horse is using his physical nature against you and therefore he knows that he is bigger and stronger than you. It shows he does not have a natural discipline.

What he is doing is using his physical strength against you and this will manifest itself when you are riding him. He will probably be very strong and try and evade situations by attempting to run off even to the point of putting his head down or up and using his physical presence to evade what you are asking him to do.

If your horse acts in this way you need to re-address the balance from the ground. If the horse does not lead correctly in a halter, put him in his bridle to increase your control until good behaviour has been re-established. This is the same in the stable if he is trying to be bossy; tie him up before you start to work around him. If you try to push against him or pull him back all you are doing is reinforcing that you are not as strong as he is.

By creating the right habits it becomes customary for your horse to have good manners, discipline and respect for you.