Advice Please

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pansy

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Hi , We have recently moved to a new yard & @ first he seemed to be settling in nicely & he does seem happy - but he is now refusing to go forwards!!
I understand that it is all new & he needs time to settle etc but would like your opionons please -
He is fine if you are following but if you are on your own & ask him to move forwards he wont go anywhere He normally has a gentle nudge then he goes backwards a couple of places & then plants himself. I can understand this when going out hacking but when using the outdoor menage he does this as well - after giving him a gentle nudge I try a little kick, and then a tap with the crop - nothing works - we try to turn on tight circles & also have tried to sit until he gets bored but nothing seems to work unless you tap him hard with the crop which I dont really like doing - we are also getting a buck & a rear thrown in as well whilst we are asking him to go forwards .
I know that he needs to know that I am in control but how far should I go with him or should I just take it easy & wait for him to settle in - my worry is that if he is starting to have a paddy & throwing a rear & a buck in which he has never done before then he may get into the habit of it which I prefer him not to. He has not long had his back teeth & saddle checked so I know everyting is ok there - any advice would be appreciated-
 
I've experienced similar types of problem. It always takes then a couple of weeks to notice all the 'scary' things.

Does he lunge ok in the school? Maybe you can try lunging for 10 minutes or so before getting on and let him get any bucks or rears out of his system. Other than that, if there is genuinely no reason for him to be stopping I would continue to reinforce with a crop if he refuses to go forwards - genuine reason as in he isn't spooking at anything. My loan horse hates the cows that we have to pass on a ride but there is a very fine line with him between being scared (feel his heart, sweats etc) and taking the mick! (eating grass, plants, generally enjoying the view!)
 
How old is he?
How different (turn out feed, companions, different farrier, ground conditions (could he have sore feet? lots of places are v hard right now), general business etc, etc) is new home form old one?
And how long has he been there?

Do you and he know how to long rein? That is supposed to be very good for building confidence... Could you get an instructor for a couple of lessons? Maybe one on trust/confidence building ground work and one ridden?

Another thought: if he is fine when following you can always try asking to follow someone on a tiny (ideally off-road for safety) hack. Do the same route with them a few times in a row and then try it by yourself but with someone (parent/friend/child... not sure how old you are!) on foot leading... then do it just the two of you.

Good luck, it does sound like a temporary blip caused by the move unsettling your horse.
 
Hi thanks for your replies - I do know some instructors but was going to wait for him to settle first !! Maybe I need to get one to help him to settle.
He is 5 years old & he has hacked out already & he was as good as gold - I have walked by him as someone was riding him & he has hacked out just following another horse - my major issue is in the school & I dont mind walking round with him there - just didnt know if that in the long tern would make him worse - I havent tried lunging him yet as he is always a git to lunge & I think that it may make me frustrated with him @ the moment & I dont think that wil help our relationship !! It sounds like its just patience & perserverance
 
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