My horse won't stand still while I mount?

Question

I have a six year old quarter horse mare who i love! But every time I mount she kicks or turns in really tight circles really fast. I've tried doing a lot of work with her, but nothing has helped. Any ideas?

Answer 1

oh thats an easy one. grab the end of her whithers tight (the end close to its shoulder joint. then she should stand still it works for me

Answer 2

You need to practice flexing with your mare. At a standstill, bring your horse's head around toward your saddle fender. When she gives you slack, release. Go to the other side and do it there. Don't let her pull her head away from you. Do this every time you ride her. When you mound, pull her head around and KEEP in around while you get on her. She'll probably move at first, but even once your in the saddle DON'T RELEASE HER HEAD until she STOPS COMPLETELY. Once she stops, give her her head. I'm training my 3 year old right now and it works! She'll eventually be at a complete standstill with her head bent around. Hope this helps!!!

Answer 3

Practise makes perfect. My Traditional Coloured Cob was a pain in the backside to stand still. I got her in a small area in the open and made her stand, i held her tight until she stood then gave her a slacker rein, and rewarded her, if she tried to walk or trot off i tightened my reins again and told her firmly no until she listened, i also changed her bit to a more sensitive one that she could feel, now she behaves perfectly and stands still at roads, unlike before where i had to get off and hold her

Answer 4

fix your horse to a tie up near a wall.

continually mount her and just sit and make her stand still.

reward her before you mount and after.

you will have to do this a LOT of times daily over and over.  She will learn that the carrot means another one is coming if she stands still.

are you sure that your cinch is not hurthing her?  or the saddle?  is your blanket thick enough?  

sometimes something is hurting them, and sometimes they are just spoiled or sour.

Andi, prior Miss Rodeo California