How to get my horse to move forward while riding her?

Question

I have a seven year old AQHA mare I just bought and she hasn't been ridin in quite some time. Shes pretty rusty and her bloodline has hard twist and Hancock in it. So ive decided that I needed to start all over and now im riding her but she just doesnt like to go forward or anything. How do I fix this??

Answer 1

Being more aggresive with her will just make her mad, and be more likely to NOT move. Training is hard and takes a while, you HAVE to be gental and patient.

kicking DOESN't make a horse go, you really only need to squeeze back by her ribs. of course if she isn't responding then this will take some time. i have a simple training tool that will help her movement.

The circling game- tie your mare to a lead rope, then use a carrot stick if you have one, if not a whip should be fine. First you need to show her that the carrot stick /whip is not something she wants to deal with.

Next you walk out to the end of you lead, so you horse is ... oh, about 4 ft-5ft from you, you then hold the whip in one hand, the lead in the other.

Whip/carrot stick= gas pedal

lead rope= steering wheel

Take the whip/carrot stick and hit it hard towards the ground, your mare should start to move, you then pull the lead and look in the left or right direction. (you stand completely STILL! and left you mare run around you in a cirle.. haha get it )

if she goes to stop again whipe the ground, let her know you are in charge, and stop her when you feel is right.

good luck, trainging is hard and long so don't give up too early :)

Answer 2

What type of riding has she had before!!



Maybe you not sitting the same as the other rider did !

I have a horse that is very well broke But if some one gets up on him he will not do any thing for them Unless they really know how to ride ( meaning another pro could) Bit not some one who have not had lesson and know the real basics in showing ,, etc,,

So maybe ask the previous owner how she rode,, her

Its not fair for us to tell you because we con not see you ride her and we do not know her

so kicking or using whips might just get her mad,, where's,, when it could be some thing so easy as loosing the cinch or adjusting your sit !!

Talk with a trainer or the other owner and edit more for us to help you with ok ,,Good Luck

Answer 3

im sure you wouldnt want to but in the old days that is why cowboys wore spurs was to give the horses a little jolt if they were not cooperating

Answer 4

kick her in the sides

Answer 5

a soft heel kick to her hindquarters is all it takes , since shes 7 im sure she is already broke

Answer 6

It sounds to me like it is time to go back to the beginning.  After consulting with a vet to ensure it isn't pain making her reluctant I would treat her like you would an unbroken youngster.  Round penning and lunging to encourage her to move forard without weight on her back, I'd start with round penning, nothing to discourage her forward momentum, no saddle, surcingle, side reins, bridle, halter.  Just you and a coil of rope or a lunge whip, get her moving and praise her for it then slowly up the stakes, you mentioned that you've started horses before so just treat her like you would a new colt or filly.  Consult with local horse trainers, ask their advice and don't forget to ask WHY they recommend it, remember, a good trainer can back up their methods with knowledge, a bad trainer can't.  It sounds like this mare has reached burnout, too much conflicting input has made her shut down, it is sad to hear of a mare only seven years old but there is hope.