Rearing out of impatience

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poiuytrewq

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What would be the best way of dealing with?
Pony is doing brilliantly after all his problems and we are really pleased with him and his progress- although it's been a long slow process and at times I've felt like totally giving up!
One remaining little thing is rearing when he's impatient. It used to be anywhere he had to stand still- ie, road junctions, letting cars past. He *touch wood* seems to have accepted "stand" on roads but off road is still bit of an issue. There are several gates along the local bridle way and if he has to wait for one to be opened he stands up.
I've told my daughter to circle him where possible to keep him going forward but one or two gates aren't possible due to narrow tracks or whatever.
Any ideas?
 
He's pretty solid and sets his mouth against her (she's having lessons- she's usually very soft with her hands but he's v strong)
He'd pretty much motor on and barge through the gate I think! It's only come to light really as still being a problem today as we were on a narrow bridle way.
I will ride him myself tomorrow and see what difference it makes- thanks
 
I would try this pony in an English hackamore, with very forgiving hands. If he's being strong and fighting the bit, I would take the bit out of the mix and see how he gets on. Sometimes if they have nothing to fight, they calm down.

Good luck with sorting it out, rearers CAN be cured, you just need to think about what is causing it. With my last horse it was serious napping.

Another thought is trying the Naf calmer - might just take the edge off things.
 
I'd try to drop the contact completely when he stands and go into super relaxed body language. Maybe he's picking up on tension. But then I don't know the horses past so could be giving entirely stupid advice that just isn't suited to the horse. Either way well done on the progress you've already achieved :)
 
Personally I'd ride away from the gate in the direction you have just come from.....just turn him around and walk away, it doesn't need to be far, just enough to get the gate open and be ready to turn him back.

1. He doesn't get to go where he wants, but does get to go forwards
2. You are setting the rules....the direction and pace, plus leavening friends.

He may in the end realise it's just easier and nicer to stand with his friends while the gate is done.

Once settled walking away I'd get to the stage of asking for a few seconds of standing still before, between and after the gate.

Would he also do the gate? Keep him occupied and interested?
 
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He was a severe napper, wouldn't even leave the yard with other horses. Whipping round til he'd fall on the floor. It was due to a sight problem which caused a total loss of confidence. He's hacking beautifully but does get excited on the way home and this is when the rearing has occurred.
I used to do gates on him but he'd rear and spin as I lean over, I've not tried in a while and wouldn't like my daughter to try it for certain!
I think if he was to walk away from the gate he may revert to whipping round again which I certainly don't want!
I do wonder if she's hanging onto his mouth a bit as he's constantly jogging and dancing to get home.
I will get on tomorrow and try out some of these suggestions.
Thanks
 
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