How do i get my horse to stop running back to the barn while i am on her?

Question

everytime i ride my mare, she pulls as hard as she can to get me back to the barn. i have had her vet checked and she is 100 % sound. i never ride her too hard, but she is in great shape. once i have been riding her for about 15 minutes she okay, but those first 15 minutes are h**l for me. Please help!

Answer 1

Process of elimination I'm affraid. She is clearly uncomfortable with something, and you just have to find out what it is. Is there anything in the field that shouldn't be there?

Answer 2

If she won't respond to the reins you will have to get a little mean.  You may need spurs or a quirt to get her attention.  When I was a kid I had a horse that would take me back to the barn, rare, and pound her hooves on the barn door.  Eventually she respected my commands and didn't try it anymore.

Answer 3

PLACE THE FEED IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION....THAT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM

Answer 4

Sorry, if I misread your question.  If my answer is completely wrong for this question, please disregard.

She's barn sour.  Basically, afraid to go out away from her place of security.  Get some good control on her and get firm.  Make her go and reward her each and every time she goes away, and correct with firm hands, legs and use a firm voice each times she tries to get out of leaving.  Make her experiences away from home fun and enjoyable and really praise her once she gets going how you want her too.  The worst thing you could do is let her get away with it.  Second, don't loose your temper with her, she needs you to train her "out" of the habit and insecurity.

Answer 5

Be careful,when I was a kid I rode a mare that was literally in love with the barn and the other horses.  She would ride away just fine but once I headed toward home there was no stopping her she would run like the wind and if I tried to pull her around she would buck.  The lady sold her and once she was away from her old buddies she was fine--I rode her for years.  You need a quirt to slap her front flank with, no need to be hard just a wake up call and use one word as in BAD in a loud voice.  Do it each time she acts up.  Once she has done well a few times then reward her.

Answer 6

Try burning down the barn, she wont be able to run back to it then.

Answer 7

I would get a better bit such as a bit that has a high arch in a curb bit with an extra short round reins with grips ... such as barrel racing reins. I had the same problem with my horse Skipper and I told him no.

Just say "Easy, whoa, slow down, no" with a firm voice and slow him up with the bit.

I notice that he didn't really respond to the bit so I got a better advance bit and it seem to work with him and I gotten him to a point he just walks to the barn not trotting, loping and yes galloping to hang out with his friends and get a treat at the end of my trail ride