Franklin Levinson's
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No forward movement with a rider
Hello Franklin,
I have a 9 yr old morgan gelding. When I bought him I was told he was 'broke' and used for showing and dressage. From the 1st time I got on him he would not move forward, he only rears. I use a snaffle bit as the previous owner told me to use. I can saddle him and put a bridle and bit on him and lead him around when no one is on him and he does wonderful. But when the lead rope comes off and he is pushed/asked to move forward he only rears. Please help me. He is a beautiful horse and has some beautiful gates. What a waste!
Thank you, Debra
Hello Debra,
Forget riding the horse for a little while (perhaps a week or two depending on how much time you can put into some basic training). Handle the horse on the ground asking for forward movement. Do this thoughtfully beginning with one step at a time and then immediately reward any effort by the horse by removal of all pressure for about 20 seconds (let him stand still and say Good Boy and nothing else). Gradually expand the number of forward steps into more and more, but do it very gradually.
Also, do plenty of soft stops and backing up a step or two at a time, using the same principles of request, trying by the horse and then immediate reward of a few moments of peace. Once the horse gets very good at this, you can begin to ride him again but have someone at the end of a longline (lungeline) lungeing him softly, slowly and very calm. Walking is good for quite a while. Then softly asking to move a bit faster. Let the person on the ground ask for the pace for a while and not you.
Do this process gradually over time and your problems will be solved.
MOST IMPORTANT AND FIRST: CHECK THE HORSE FOR PAIN ANYWHERE IN ITS BODY; MOUTH, TEETH, BACK, LEGS, FEET, EVERYWHERE. IF THERE IS ANY PAIN NOTHING WILL WORK. ALSO CHECK SADDLE FIT.
Also, consider riding just in a halter and leadrope tied up as reins for a little while. Just to really get a new start with the horse. Generally horses that rear like you are describe are having pain in the mouth (sometimes rider error by not understanding the real nature of 'soft hands' and how to reward a horse's effort from the saddle. Also possibilities as contributing to the problem are inappropriate leg/seat cues, or again, pain in their backs. A snaffle, or any bit for that matter, is simply a tool just like a hammer and in the wrong hands can be a weapon of mass destruction and in the right hands can build a masterpiece. How skillful and subtle are you with tools?
I noticed you have offered to make a small donation. I thank you. Let me know how it all goes after a few weeks of this process. Be patient and take your time. Most humans ask too much, too fast from a horse and never are patient enough. I am currently teaching in Greece. I return to the States on December 8th. Good Luck.
Sincerely, Franklin