Pony that plants!

[Twilight]

When we are out for a hack (and even in the school) my friends highland pony plants. He quite simply grows roots and wont move. He has been checked out physically, had his teeth, back and saddle done etc. It seems to be in his head. generally when we want to go a different way to the way he planned. He does not knap, or argue or get het up. He just stands there what ever you do. Kicking has no effect doesn't even twitch an ear, trying to lead from another pony has no effect, jangling keys near his ear seems to be one of the most effective methods of getting him going. Does anyone have any suggestions. He has been doing this on and off for 2 years now. We had thought we had got it beaten by taking him out to do new things like mini xc but he has started again, we are running out of ideas.

 

[Twinkle Twinkle]

I used to own a highland pony that used to do the exact same thing nothing l did got her to go forward. One day l got so fed up with her l made her walk backwards for a while then turned her round and it worked every time she planted l done it until she learned that she was not going to get away with planting. I tlooked very strange l used to have people giving me strange looks.

 

[wells1]

My old cleveland Bay x TB used to do the same you could try to coax him beat him but nothing worked. I remember one time he did it the only way I could get him to move was rein back, It was about 200 metres to get past some cows. He used to do it half way round a course of jumps quite a lot as well. I know how frustrating it can be, but I am sorry I never did cure it, he got kicked and broke a leg and has retired to kent.

 

[laurenpalmer]

I have a friend whose 16hh thoroughbred does that at water. Firstly, they got a more confident rider on him! He would only go backwards, sideways or upwards! He then rooted himself, we tried whips and spurs, but he wouldn't respond to that. We then tried his game, and stood there for about 5 minutes in the midddle of the water! he got really confused and came out by himself! My trainer also made her rein back gallop away and keep galloping into the water, which worked (although not always good for hacking) Also, when his friends galloped into the water he would go forward, but not go in! My trainer told her to practise, like suddenly if he was going forward, turn around and canter/gallop away from other horses. He doesn't really do it anymore!

 

[Twilight]

When he is really set on it we can't even get rein back! He just sets himself. Even my boy giving him a bite on the bum doesn't encourage him to get going.