Physio and Q re crossing over hind legs

[CobsGalore]

Today we had the physio out for a general check. I was extremely impressed with her and the horses seemed to enjoy it. She found nothing untoward and has given us some exercises to do to help strengthen abdominal muscles and stretch backs.

Anyway, while doing lameness checks, she asked me to walk my horse round on tight circle so he crossed over his back legs. He was reluctant to do this, but we both felt that it was a handling issue rather than pain related. He happily crosses his legs over when I turn him round to close gates and things, he just wasn't really sure what I was asking from him.

Bit of a strange question really, as I have never had such a problem with another horse, but my lad is so laid back (and stubborn) that I find it difficult to get him to move around and away from me on a tight circle, it's like he just can't be bothered as he cant see the point!

How can I effectively teach him to turn in a way that he HAS to cross his back legs over? Is it just a case of practising, perhaps using a whip to reinforce what I am asking him to do.

Sorry bit of a weird question and hard to word without me sounding like a numpty!

 

[be positive]

Practice starting with a larger circle then gradually make it smaller as he understands, a schooling whip can help if you use it to gently tap the inside leg.

 

[Avonbrook]

As above, they need to be moving forward as they turn or they tend just to swivel on the inside hind.

 

[CobsGalore]

Yes that is what he was doing, just trying to swivel even when I asked him to move forward. He lunges well so I will practice making the circle smaller and smaller until he understands, thank you