How can I get my horse to get up and run!?

Question

Ok, well I have a 10 year old quarter horse. For some reason though I have trouble getting him to want to run. He runs in the pasture and he is really fast. He has a big but full of power. But when I ask him to move out he will start pinning his ears and not want to. Sometimes he will kick up his heels a bit but nothing too big. I want to get him to do a good barrel run, but this could be a barrier. He is a very good horse. I use him for h.s. equestrian team in english, western, reining, working rancher, and showmanship. He is very good to me. He was also started in cutting. I just really want to get past this. I know it's not a medical issue or a soreness issue because in reining and cutting he can really get low and do very well. Can you help please!?

Answer 1

I almost hate to tackle this question because you sound like an experienced rider and since you say he is energetic and fast in the pasture and that the horse has no soreness issues or medical issues. That considered, here goes and I hope you are not offended by what I think the problem may be. First, I will assume that you are not too heavy for the horse, and by too heavy I mean much in excess of 200 pounds. So I expect the horse may be getting a cue from you that maybe you don't realize. A common cue that a horse will respond to is putting on the brakes, so to speak, by setting upright in the saddle with both stirrups pushed slightly forward past the vertical position. Are you doing that without realizing it? If so, lean forward more and as you do your legs and the stirrups will automatically be pushed slightly 'rearward' past the vertical position. Leaning forward with legs back are cues to speed up, also the opposite position, as in putting on the brakes, is a cue to slow down.

Answer 2

I think you are the same person who asked the barrel racing question, I answered it there.

You will s***w this good horse up trying to make him do barrels.  Either get another horse or give up the barrel racing thing until the time comes when you can get a horse trained for it.

Answer 3

He's trying to show you who's boss!  Keep practicing & really praise him when he does well, but he has to obey your commands.  Be firm.  Good luck!

Answer 4

I rode a horse like that, a couple times.  He didnt' want to run, ever.  Try smacking him on the butt, and kicking him in the ribs.  You also might want to try spurs.  When I was a kid, I had a shetland pony that didn't like to run, but once I let him  know I was the one in control, he would run.

Answer 5

He may have never been allowed to get down and go fast. He may not think it's the right thing to do if it's not a soundness or equipment issue. Go take him for some long lopes.After he's comfy with that, ask for just a little speed, maybe let him think it's his idea. Or take another horse and rider along and have an easy match race. Teach him it's ok and fun to cut loose.Look at all the disciplines you have him doing. How many really involve running at speed? You need to change his mind before you can change his response. And seriously, look at his conformation. Is he built to run? Or does he pound on his own front end and carrying a rider only exasperate any problems? Not uncommon with today's low front end quarter horses.