Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

catherine,  i think it is a behavior/training issue with your balking horse.   you mentioned that you try to kick him to get him going, which is probably one of the worst things you can do.   you need to work with him on the ground some, teaching him a good "go forward" cue and lateral flexion.   when you lunge him, teach him to go forward by tapping him on the neck with your training stick or lunge whip, rather than "driving" him from the hip.   "tap" as vigorously as you need to to get him going.

in the saddle, if he will not move forward with a verbal cue (i.e. kiss or cluck), then squeeze with your legs, dont kick with your heels.   if he still doesnt go forward, use the tail of your rein to tap him across the shoulders.   this works much better then "kicking in the ribs" which usually causes a horse to plant his feet and refuse to move.          cowboy ed