My horse never wants to ride long?

Question

My horse gunner rides so well and is so wonderful but when i take him out just on trail rides if i get close to the barn he begins to run and i stop him and turn around but then he refuses to move.... so i end up giving in and letting him run to the barn

Answer 1

this is called barn shy.  Most horses become this way if they are used to running home or are given their way.  Every time he takes off without your say-so, stop him and force him to slow down.  If he wont slow down, then go ahead and do what you were trying to do already: turn him around.  He will fight for a while but will give up if you are persistent.  

I had a pony who hated being ridden when we first got him, and I would saddle him up no problems, but when I mounted, he refused to go anywhere. It drove me crazy!  You just have to wait him out.  If a light cue doesnt work, try a harder one.  You might have to end up kicking and spanking him until he moves forward from the barn, but if you keep letting him win, he will never listen to you.