Out West Blog

Correcting Bad Horse Habits

Well, it has been a great week of riding and I am enjoying the warmer weather! I have been able to spend most of the day working with our horses here, and everybody has been acting happy to be out and worked with.

I did, however, notice that a few of the horses that I have not worked with for a while seemed to be a little “pushy,” “space invading,” and have annoying ground manners. Kind of like the 8 or 9 year old kid hanging on your arm, pulling at your jeans, and whining at you when they want something. What is it? Annoying, disrespectful, and immature! So after you’re done round penning, working your horse, or any time, here are a couple of exercises you can work on to keep those bad habits away.

First, in the round pen with your horse, have a halter and about a 12-foot lead rope and do circle work.  I like to start by sending my horse to the right. When my horse is looking at me, I have my right hand about 4 feet down from the snap, with that hand I push my horse’s head away at his cheek. Keeping my feet in one spot I make my horse move first. Do this at a walk. To encourage your horse to keep moving I use the tail of the lead rope in my left hand, twirl it to add pressure and tap the horse with it for more. While my horse is going around, I keep a “bubble” between me and the horse (3-4 feet). I do this until he moves out freely at a relaxed walk.  Be sure to go both ways.

Here is another easy exercise I practice anywhere and any time. When I am walking and feel like my horse is going to walk over the top of me, I stop, turn around and make my horse back away from me. I keep my left hand out in front of me, directly underneath the lead snap, bumping the horse’s nose with the halter. After he backs up well, I turn around and continue where I was going, or repeat if he needs it. You have to keep your space!

In both exercises be sure and pet your horse on the shoulder when they do well to create that respect! Don’t let the horse rub on you. If that happens, back him away from you and then let him be. This has helped me keep my horses from being “space invaders.”

I look forward to the even warmer weather this week and hopefully some rain to green things up more! Remember that it is spring and your tack has sat most of the winter. Take the time while watching American Idol to clean and oil up that tack! Look over your equipment and make sure the leather is still good and isn’t going to break on trail when you’re an hour away from home; it’s not a fun walk!

Take care for now and remember to smile when you ride and take the time to thank God for all the wonderful things in life that you see and experience.

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