Horse Help!!! I need help with the barn problem!!!

Question

i have 5 horses, that a ride somewhat on the regular. but i need help when i am riding in my arena. my arena is right outside my barn. and my horses always pull toward the barn a we pass by. so i cant complete a well rounded canter around my arena because they always jerk their heads and slow down to a trot. and being 14 i have some trouble w/ trying to keep my balance and tellng them where to go. everyone tells me that have to tell them what to do and be strong w/ it, but i dont really understand how to do that. what can i do to help fix that problem? how can i teach them? PLEASE HELP!!!!

Answer 1

i wish i hade horses being in edgewood new mexico nabers have horses evreywere i look horse here horses there  

Answer 2

You need to teach tem that you are the boss

as soon as you feel the horse start to slow down even a lttle bit give him a kick and keep him going if you feel him start to go twrd the barn imediatly side him away from the barn and keep going

when you are doing that do not let him walk or trop until he completes a full circle around the arena without trying to go by the barn it might take a while but they will get it after a several tries and remember dont give up let them know that they are going to do what you want them to do

dont forget to let them know that they did a good job once they do it right

Answer 3

when he tries to slow down, you can take one of two approaches. you can either correct it before it happens, by putting leg on to prevent a slow-down, or you can allow them to make the mistake, and correct it then. i would personally let them make the mistake and correct it. carry a short jumping bat or crop with you, but dont use it just yet. start by walking and trotting in random patterns, close by and far away from the barn. once he is resopnding well and moving consistantly, bump him into the canter like you normally would. as you come around the barn side, let him slow to a trot if he wants, but IMMEDIATELY pop him behind your leg with the crop. dont even let him take three strides in the trot. after a few laps, he will get that he needs to stay in the canter until you tell him that he can drop down. if you dont want to do it this way, you can do it the way that the other posters have suggested. it should work either way; i just thought i would trow out another possibility, because some horses respond better to this method than the preventative one.  

Answer 4

I would tighten the inside rein slightly when rounding the corner.  Adding outside leg pressure first...then squeezing with both for forward momentum if they didn't respond to my outside leg.  If I knew I was having this problem...I would also include my 'go forward' voice command or noise.  Could be clicking, kissing, whatever your cue is.  I'd also make sure that YOU are not looking at the barn either.  If you are, your body language is not helping.  Look to where you are wanting to go.

Answer 5

You need to learn how to use your legs, and train your horses to yield to leg pressure (leg yields).  Start on the ground and push your fist into the side of the horse where your heel would be if your were riding.  Each time the horse steps sideways away from the pressure, praise him.  Do it over and over on both sides until it's barely a touch that moves the horse over.  

Then do it when you ride, using your heel..hold it on the horse until he moves over, and release the pressure immediately.  Keep doing it until all you have to do is a slight squeeze with your calf to move him over.

When you go past a gate and the horse pulls toward it, use the leg on the opposite side of the side the gate is on to push his hind end toward the gate, while shortening the rein on the same side.  So, if the gate is on the left, shorten your right rein and squeeze with you right calf as you continue past the gate. These cues will force his hind end toward the gate as you steer him away from it with your reins.  Release these cues when you are past the gate.

Answer 6

When the horse starts to slow down, give him more leg, urge him on.  Let him know you are in charge.

Answer 7

outside leg are you crazy? that would push them away from the gate making it so you can't get a rounded corner were i ride i we ride inside in the winter and the horse do the same thing (or somthing like it). And we were told to increase impulsion/speed so they have somthing else to worry about. if this does not work try the following (remember i don't know what style you ride i.e wester hunter/jumper)

1. inside leg this will push the hind quarters over but the head is still there so....

2. in side direct rein to hold the head in (keep following at your gait/continue inpulsion)

3. maintain correct body postion and focal point.

4. if the horse doesn't listen just back him up and do it again.

I know its tedios but hey got to do it. =)

Answer 8

Add a lot of outside leg on as you go by the door and don't let them look to the outside.  Have them look slightly to the inside so they can't look out.  If they don't do anything going by, give them a pat.  If they do, go around and do it agian.  Good luck.