Playing silly buggers!

lexibell

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The boy is developing a very annoying habit of refusing and running out at jumps, this is a new thing, he was soo honest and willing when i got him, my confidence is 10 times what it was so i dont think im backing off, were not jumping terrifying jumps, I try to mix it up so he doesnt get bored, I just dont know what im doing wrong??

I have had his tack, back, and teeth checked in the last 3 months, I dont know what im doing wrong? can i school this out of him and if soo how? and what should i do when he refuses? so far i have circuled around and come at it again with every bit of determiation i can find. but he often refuses again, if i use my whip (as in short sharp smack - not beating him) he will quit completely and get really upset - Im out of ideas and could use some advice!! any suggestions welcome
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??? how do you mean? hes never been lame in the 10 months Ive had him? instructors not picked up on anything?? Please elaborate - Im worried now!!

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Well, you say he's has always been willing and honest, so this behaviour is out of character.

He could just be being naughty - which is that's the case you'll have to look at your riding to sort it out.

However, if he's not being naughty he could be saying 'no' becuase he has pain somewhere (often in the legs or feet) that at present is not enough to make him hopping lame, but is enough to make him not want to jump.
 
Make sure everything is physically ok with him first. If back, teeth, tack, etc ok then he could just be being naughty. You mention above you have an instructor so maybe ask their opinion/advise or see if they would get on him for you and see whether or not it is your riding? One day my lad loves to jump the next he is scared stiff of a pole! No matter what he has to go over it, whether this means walking over it, knocking it down, putting the poles on the floor or getting him lead! Hope you get it sorted!
 

Don't mean to worry you but would get it checked.
My neices horse started refusing after being really honest before turned out to be low grade ringbone.Now not saying this is what your horse has got but iIf you've had him a long timeand this is new behaviour tend to agree with AmyMay.THere may be an underlying reason for it.
Personally would get vet to check if latter.
 
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