Stubbornness in horses can manifest in various ways, from an outright refusal to move from the barn to more dramatic displays like bucking or rearing. These behaviors often stem from a lack of clear communication, fear, or a deficit in trust towards the rider. Fortunately, with consistent and well-designed training, even the most reluctant horse can learn to respond willingly to commands. This guide will explore effective methods to address stubbornness, focusing on establishing clear cues and building a stronger bond between horse and rider.
Understanding the Root of Stubbornness
Stubbornness in horses is not a sign of malice, but rather a communication issue. It can arise from several factors:
- Laziness: The horse may not understand the cue or find it easier to ignore it.
- Fear of the Unknown: Hesitation can stem from uncertainty about what is being asked or what lies ahead.
- Lack of Faith in the Rider: The horse may not trust the rider’s leadership or ability to keep them safe.
The core issue often lies in the absence of a clear “go forward” cue. By implementing specific training exercises, you can enhance obedience, assert your leadership, and instill confidence in your horse, encouraging them to follow your requests. This training is best initiated on the ground for safety and clarity.
Lesson One: Establishing the “Go Forward” Cue on the Ground
This foundational lesson focuses on teaching your horse to move forward upon a clear signal. You will need a lead rope, a halter, and a dressage whip.
- Initiating the Cue: Stand on the horse’s left side, near their neck. Hold the lead rope with your left hand, close to the snap. With your right hand, hold the dressage whip and gently tap the horse’s left hip bone until they take a step forward.
- Reinforcing Forward Movement: The instant your horse moves forward, cease tapping and disengage the pressure. Turn to face the direction of movement and walk alongside your horse for a few strides. Stop them, and offer a reward such as a pat and a kind word. Repeat this process consistently.
- Advancing the Cue: As your horse begins to understand, gradually move your left hand further down the lead rope while still pointing in the direction you want them to go.
- Reversing Sides: Once the horse reliably responds on the left side, repeat the entire lesson on the right side. Use your right hand to hold the lead rope and your left hand to hold the dressage whip, tapping the right hip bone.
Troubleshooting Stubbornness on the Ground
- Resistance to Moving Forward: A truly stubborn horse might initially back up instead of moving forward. Remain calm and continue the forward pressure and tapping until the backing stops. Then, release and try again.
- Rearing: If your horse rears, prioritize safety. If possible, remain calm, step to the side, and let the lead rope slide through your hand to avoid the front hooves. Continue tapping with the whip until the horse moves forward. This teaches them that rearing won’t deter you from the task. If you feel unsafe at any point, disengage and seek professional help.
Lesson Two: Transitioning the “Go Forward” Cue to the Saddle
Once your horse reliably moves forward on the ground, it’s time to transfer this understanding to the saddle.
- Initial Saddle Cues: Mount your horse and look forward. Engage your seat and squeeze gently with your legs, simultaneously applying slight forward pressure with the reins. If the horse moves forward, immediately release all pressure and offer praise.
- Leg Bumping: If the horse doesn’t respond to the initial cues, begin lightly bumping with both legs. Repeat these bumps approximately ten times, or until the horse moves forward. Release all pressure and praise them once they comply.
- Combining Leg and Whip Cues: If leg pressure alone is insufficient, continue bumping with your legs while simultaneously tapping the horse’s hip with your dressage whip. Maintain focus and look forward as you tap.
- Recognizing the Groundwork: If the groundwork was effective, your horse should respond to the tapping cue. The horse learns that leg squeezing precedes leg bumping, which in turn precedes the more insistent whip tap. This progression encourages the horse to respond to lighter cues to avoid the more direct ones. With consistent practice, your horse will anticipate the cue and move forward with a mere thought of “go forward.”
Addressing Barn Sourness and Buddy Separation Anxiety
Horses that are “barn sour” or overly attached to their companions often exhibit stubbornness, particularly when asked to move away from familiar surroundings or other horses. This anxiety stems from their strong herd instinct and the perception that being separated from their buddies is a potentially dangerous situation.
Exercise for “Buddy” Stubbornness
This exercise requires a partner and is a prerequisite to practicing separation.
- Preparation: Ensure your horse understands and responds to the “go cue” from Lesson One.
- Partnered Riding: With a helper, groom and tack up two horses.
- Side-by-Side Movement: Walk the horses side-by-side down the center of the arena.
- Controlled Separation: On a signal, the rider on the right makes a small 10-foot circle to the right, while the rider on the left simultaneously makes a 10-foot circle to the left.
- Reunion: Both riders immediately return to the straight line, walking side-by-side.
- Reinforcement: This controlled separation and immediate reunion teaches the horse that being apart is not a threat and that they will always be reunited. Repeat this process many times, gradually increasing the size of the circles (15′, 20′, 25′) as the horses become more comfortable.
- Gait Progression: Once the horses are relaxed at a walk, repeat the exercise at a trot, starting with small circles and progressing to larger ones. Finally, introduce the same process at a lope or canter. This method helps horses calmly accept separation.
Training Without a Helper
If you lack a partner, you can adapt the separation exercise:
- Visual Separation: Place one horse in a visible pasture or holding pen.
- Riding Near the Fence: Ride the other horse near the fence line, performing patterns like figure eights and circles, staying approximately 10 feet away from the fence.
- Gradual Increase: Slowly increase the distance from the fence to 25-30 feet before returning. The ridden horse will focus on your cues, while the horse outside the fence may show signs of distress.
- Turn-Taking: After working the first horse for at least 20 minutes, switch. Work the second horse rigorously, practicing various maneuvers. The horse that was initially in the pasture will learn that fussing leads to work, while quiet behavior results in rest, thus encouraging calmer behavior.
Consistency is key. Through these exercises, your once stubborn horse will develop greater confidence in your leadership and become more comfortable with daily routines, transforming your riding experience into a more enjoyable partnership.
This article was adapted from the expertise of Bob Jeffreys and Suzanne Sheppard, who travel nationwide teaching horse lovers how to bring out the best in their horses through Two as One Horsemanship™. Visit twoasonehorsemanship.com or call 845-692-7478 for more information.
