planting help

my bfg

my bfg

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Hi all, we've been doing very well schooling wise lately so last weekend we ventured out on our very first hack together following a friend on her laid back experienced gelding. Starting out very well, could easily sort any napping/steering issues, but then em started planting, tried everything but could only get a few steps before she stopped again, anyone got any tips on how to overcome this?
 
when my mare used to plant or go in any direction other than forward, I used to turn her in the tightest possible circles until she got so bored/dizzy she would walk forward
 
If I can get her to back up a step she will often then go forward, only worked a few times on the hack tho, also tried lots of voice an leg aids, a tap with the crop, my mate coming back on her ned to try to encourage her to follow an also trying to get my girl to circle. Anything else that might work?
 
How much experience does the horse have hacking? and how much experience do you have?

But if it's a young nervous horse, or if you think the error is on your end (eg picking up on nerves etc) i'd get an instructor or someone experienced to walk with you and give you advice on what to do when it happens. If its a horse thats just trying it on and if its just pure boldness i'd be tempted to give her a bloody good whallop and then reward as soon as any forward motion is made.
 
I'm confident riding her and as an ex cart horse she was used to road work, we've been making short trips but this was our first "proper" hack. To be fair I think she was just being stubborn about leaving her yard mates.
 
In that case, great big wallop it is.

That's the sort of thing that can easily turn into spinning and other unpleasantness - far, far better to administer one sharp crack now (and that's almost certainly all it will take) than end up with a seriously nappy, dangerous horse.
 
if she doesnt want to go forwards, go backwards! i used to have a horse who did it and we just backed them up for the entire time. the horse soon got bored of going backwards and went forwards without an issue although i wouldnt recommend it if the horse rears.

if not as other people have said crack on the bum with the whip and be done with it!
 
I have this problem with my lad. I have my instructor coming for walks with me and it's helping me immensely.
Thoroughly recommend taking a walker with you to help.
 
I had that with my gelding, tried everything from spinning to smacking to making him walk backwards in the end a friend told me to just make him stand there when he plants. So when he did it one day, in his usual spot, I sat there, would not let him go backwards, forwards and made him stand there until he was bored...then when i was ready asked him forwards which he did fine. I have honestly not had another issue with him ever...3 years on hacks out beautiful.
Just finding what works for your horse...good luck and persevere it will be a confidence thing! X
 
My boy has just started doing this,he is 4 and have been hacking him out since april,he just stops and then walks backwards ,shakes his head and wont go forwards,I have muddled my way through getting him forward,by turning him in circles and just trying to drive him forwards,think it is just pure awkwardness with him, very frustrating when he has been going so well.
 
OP if your horse is an ex driving horse it is used to wearing blinkers hacking ridden without them is very different.
 
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