making horse stand while mounting

G

Gooby

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 June 2008
Messages
674
Location
Manchester, UK
Visit site
I've had my horse since march and up until a month ago he was perfect to get on. Now everytime I go to mount up he starts walking off usually it annoys me but I find something to stand him again so he cant walk forward. Today on a hack he was been a right pain (I was riding) and kept turning round to go home. I kept turning him back trying to get him really forward but after about 10 minutes of circling and him not standing still I jumped off and led him along the part of the track he doesn't like. Go to get back on and off he walks, walk him a bit further try again, same thing. When he walks off I try turning him, standing infront of him, putting my elbow infront of his chest.Some of these things stop him but then I move to his side to get on and off he walks again! I tryed this for about 5 mins and get so frustrated I just ended up walking him home. So how do I get him to stand still and allow me to mount when Im on my own? I know the longer he gets away with it the worse it will get
frown.gif
wish I was able to vault on lol
 
I assume back teeth etc are ok as it can be a sign saddle fit has changed.

Firstly you don't ever give up again! LOL

Find the time so that you are in no rush and if necessary spend an hour or even 2 getting on and off over and over again until he stands still.

It really is a case of just keep doing it over and over again. however the next time you give in and don't get on it will start from scratch if not worse. Its not something you can ever give in on unfortunately, and I do know it is easier said than done. The other thing is always make him stand for 2 mins before walking off, and or back him up first

I had one so bad that he would only ever let me get on. I needed help with him at the time because of other commitments and took him to Richard Maxwell, it took him nearly an hour to get on him!! He was no different when i got him home despite following RM instructions to the letter...He did eventually get over it but it took months and months of on off to get there
 
I have booked for his back and saddle to be checked.

If I hadn't of gotten off he would have walked all the way home despite my best attempts at trying to stop him, he only stood for a few seconds while I jumped off him. Once off he followed me down the track ok.

If I had been in the school or an area I knew well I wouldn't have given up, bit disappointed in myself but could feel myself getting more frustrated with the situation and decided it was best for both of us if we both just calmed down as we walked home.

I think Ill just have to practice getting on, getting off, getting on, getting off ...

Thank you
 
It sounds to me as though he could have a back/saddle problem, so you'll probably be ok after the checks. I always give my horse a treat after I've got on (from the saddle) that helps them to stand while you sort out stirrups/girth etc
 
i would get things checked then take no s***. it is so tedious if horse doesnt stand stil to get on. one of the first basics they should learn. teach him to stand next to the mounting block, the fence, the gate etc. you might need a helper on the ground to stand, but as this is relatively new once checked i would question taking the p? make him wait then ask him to move forward! it will take time initially but time well spent. is he pushy bargy in any other circumstance?
 
No not bargy at all. He can be a right little stubborn so and so when he gets it in his head he doesn't want to do something! Ok thanks all, will wait to see what the back lady has to say and take it from there
smile.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top