I bought a good sized (1500lbs) Haflinger gelding. His previous owner used him for driving...I want to trail ride. But he has a habit of tugging at the reins constantly, eventually pulling the reins out of your hands. I always give him slack but it doesn't matter, he still tugs. Even on a lead rope, he tugs. He will wear you out doing this. I believe that this is just something a driving horse is trained to do. But I don't want him to do this out on the trails during riding. I used a tie down but it doesn't stop him. Was thinking of using a stud chain but would like to find out if there is a better way.
I even tied him out for awhile, thinking he would eventually quit but he didn't and when I got back out there he had the ropes slipknot so tight I barely got it untied.
So is there anyway to stop the head tugging?
Also since he was used for driving pretty much all his life (10 years old now) and just used to plodding along .....what is a good way to get him to pay attention to where he places his feet?
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