My horse has recently decided that he doesn't want to move when I ride him. How do I get him moving again?

Question

He used to walk and trot and canter, and now he just walks and then stops. I can't seem to get him moving. Even when I lunge him, he is lazy and barely moves.

Answer 1

first use light spurs, if nothing improves, go to a more heavy spur, try a dressage whip or crop too

Answer 2

Stick your heels in his rib cage, that usually works.

Answer 3

Try lunging him and see if he'll move forward without you on his back.  See if you can see any lameness or anything.  It's really wierd that your horse has taken this quick change.  I think there must be a reason for it... It's wierd that his personality would just change from going forward to not going anywhere.  Check his legs and check his back.  If you've been working him a lot lately, he might just want a break... our lesson horses get really sour and need a few days off in the pasture when they get used too much.

If you decide that he's just being stubborn, then use a crop/whip and maybe a small spur if you know how to use one.

I think it's really important to look at how the horse is feeling though.  whenever there's a drastic change, you have to ask the horse why.  I'd ask for help from someone else at your barn... have them give you an opinion on how your horse moves when lunging and then why he won't move when you ride.  It's much easier to give an informed opinion when you can see the horse rather than just a description on the internet.  Good luck.