Opening gates on horseback - tips or links?

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darkhorse123

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I really want to learn how to open gates on my boy - both inward and outward gates

Any tips or links to goods videos really appreciated!

The gates are in my yard, all have pull cords on - one opens inwards, next outwards x
 
Ah I'm rubbish at gates.. It doesn't help that when my mare gets near to a gate she won't go near it .. Stands about 2/3ft away and if I try to get her to go forwards she starts getting herself into a tizz and starts stamping her hooves then her new thing is to rear .. Shes very inpatient and like I said gets herself into a tizz if I try open the gate .. Yes she's a baby tb lol
 
beehorses said:
First start with some school work he will need to know rein back, halt (stand still) and turn on the forehand. When he understands these and has patience gates will be no problem in or out.
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ty - i do need to work on rein back then - he does halt perfectly, turns on the forehand but we havent done ridden rein back - though my husband has on him so i do know he can do it x
 
Thats great, these are mostly all you need. My old boy is superb at gates even open and shut them with 2 yr old filly on lead rein beside us or after a good gallop then stop for gate and he never fidgets, he is brill because he is so chilled.

When I first started I just sat and waited for him to stand still at the gate I never got to frustrated when he moved because he didn't know any different this way he just relaxed when he got to a gate and eventually you can hang off their side to the lowest of bolts with no rein contact and use 2 hands to open difficult gates.
 
Definitely second the rein back and it's also helpful not only if they stand patiently but also if they stand patiently whilst others pass them so you can open gates in company. I decided to try my first gate with my girl this weekend (had already had to get off 4 times for others) and knew she could do the rein back as she constantly does it when napping but was less sure about the standing bit whilst her friend went past. Well she was fab only problem was the gate was weighted and wouldn't stay open long enough for us to get through so I had to get off anyway!
 
Agree with the others, practice doing turn on the forehand, backing up and moving away from your leg. My mare was terrible when I bought her, she used to panick and start to do mini rears but I took my time - even if it took 10minutes to open a gate I was calm and patient and it paid off as she's brilliant at gates now :)
 
One of my horses has learnt turn on the forehand and rein back through opening gates. He would get very confused and stressed learning it in the school, but with a gate to push him back and a lot of praise from me he worked it out, and gates are no problem now.

The best tip is take your time and praise them a lot when they step back etc. I teach them to push against a gate - when the gate touches their chest squeeze them on and say "push". Eventually you only have to say push and the horse will push against the gate until it is shut.

Tip two - start with an easy gate - not one that swings back again if you have to let go!
 
Honey08 said:
One of my horses has learnt turn on the forehand and rein back through opening gates. He would get very confused and stressed learning it in the school, but with a gate to push him back and a lot of praise from me he worked it out, and gates are no problem now.

The best tip is take your time and praise them a lot when they step back etc. I teach them to push against a gate - when the gate touches their chest squeeze them on and say "push". Eventually you only have to say push and the horse will push against the gate until it is shut.

Tip two - start with an easy gate - not one that swings back again if you have to let go!
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ty - i do trust my horse - he doesnt rear or be silly, he probably knows how to do it - he has been very well trained - its me xxxx
 
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