How can I get my horse to stop random "prancing"??

Question

He's a high strung thoroughbred and at our last show, he did these random steps, that were kind of like dressage or something. It was cute at first, but now he does it randomly when I'm riding. I can't tell if he's annoyed at something I'm doing, or bored, or what! Thanks for you input!

Answer 1

2 simple things-

lower protien in feed, if he is at 16% or 14% feed it is too much. Southern States has a very nice 11% protien feed.  

Inexperience is the other factor. He is not bored at all, pent up energy, lack of consistant exercise, and unfimilar surronds will make him prance and misbehave.  Exercise must be consistant, 3-5 times a week is best (fit horses only), expose him to lots of shows, but do not enter. Just have him get use to the hustle and bustle. he will settle down

Another thing, never get nervous. This is easier said than done, and understandable that the 1st shows come with some fear. But thats ok, every small sucess is a blessing and make sure to blind yourself with good confidence boosting things. the next time you show you will be less fearful, your horse will follow suit.

hope y'all safe riding and a successful career

Answer 2

My QH used to prance when ever we would start heading back home. It didn't matter if it was a four hour ride or a half hour ride she would fight me and prance all the way back in. So I bought a tie-down, I have it not too strict she can still raise her head but she can't raise it high enough to pick her legs up to prance. She is a completely different horse with it on. I have seen people that will put the tie-down so tight the horse can't lift it's head I couldn't do that. I have mine just enough to let her know she can't toss her head way back and prance. She hasn't pranced since and I have gone out a few times without the tie-down just to see.

Answer 3

Yeah I had the same problem with 2 of my thoroughbreds...The one I just did alot of 1 rein stops and flexed her at a stand still the other was basically a lost cause.  :(  I hope something works for your horse.  He probably is bored but thats no excuse to act like an a**.  I hope you find a cure that works for every horse!

Answer 4

A trick I learned from an old cowboy works as a restraint from the saddle or the ground.  When he starts to prance, reach down in the crease of his shoulder and grip a handful of skin in your fist.  Slowly roll your knuckles into his shoulder and he will probably come to a stop.  This acts something like a pressure point, and it does work.  I still use this when I get on an occasional horse that is anxious to get home (just short of barn sour) or one that is just a bit too antsy on the trail.  It does not take long to get them to quit just by stroking their neck, as they anticipate what you are about to do.

Answer 5

try lunging him before riding

Answer 6

I have an appendix TB/QH who does the same. Hers is due to impatience. She is ready to goooooo and is having a silent battle with her conscience. I make her stop back up a few steps and then go again. If it becomes a lot I make her work the fence with roll backs to give her somewhere to use all that energy!!

Answer 7

You are going to slow for him.  He wants to run.  Good luck with breaking this.  If you find something let me know.  My arab used to do this.  I am not sure why she quit but she did.  It happened so gradually.  She still does it a little(they all do) at the start of a ride when she is ready to go and you are moving too slow for her.