Rearing when lunged

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CharlotteSara

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I have owned my 11 year old ex racer for 2 months. When i first got him i would try to lunge him, he would go perfectly on the left rein but as soon as i wanted to swap reins he wouldnt even let me walk to the other side, he would drag me around the school, if i got him working on the right rein he would turn inwards whether i was stood at his shoulder or not, he would do anything to stop on the rein. Recently it has got worse my friend lunged him today and he started rearing on his right rein, obviously not normal behaviour. I get that he will have only been worked on his left rein in the past but it's been 4 years since he raced and previous owners must have worked him on his right rein at some point? What do you think I should do?
-Charlotte
 
Having seen prepped yearlings being lunged with 3 people, 2 with whips just to get them to go forwards then some horses just don't like one way. Does he do it loose schooled? And how does he ride on that rein? Also does he have side reins on?
 
Get someone experienced in this method to use two lunge lines one on each side of the bit. He needs desensitised to a line round his backend before you attempt it.
 
He does rear occasionally when hacking out, and he reared for the first time in the school yesterday when ridden because a horse bolted in the arena, still not acceptable but he did have a reason I guess. I have heard about the two lunge line method, I'll try and get someone on my yard to attempt it with him! So do you think it's just behaviour?
 
I don't know. What have you done to find out if there is another reason or not?

It needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing as you need to use a saddle really and make sure the stirrups are the right height and are tied down etc.

I thought you were asking about a lunging problem not a rearing problem!
 
No it's the rearing and the right rein that are a combined problem really. Yeah I think physio may be my best bet. Thank you to everyone who replied.
-Charlotte
 
I had the vet out when I first got him, she said he had a fused spine so he was of work for 2 weeks and had pain killers. She also said something about a damaged muscle on his left side due to the old owner being to heavy and getting on from the floor.
 
If he's got sore muscles on the left side he won't want to bend to the right, you've found your answer just need to fix it now :)
 
FfionWinnie said:
It needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing as you need to use a saddle really and make sure the stirrups are the right height and are tied down etc.
Click to expand...

I was the friend that lunged this horse, he was lunged in a saddle, bridle and side reins with the stirrups tied down. I have suggested physio have a look at him and double lunging with two lunge lines. He did have explosive reactions lunging on his right rein and was extremely tense and uncomfortable with me changing his rein, he didn't want me standing on his right side which I found extremely odd. The horse did have its back checked by a vet when bought and did have a fused spine but after treatment advised, has calmed down with rearing now it is only on this rein really.
 
Other possibility is gut issue/ulcers, circling on the right rein he would have to bring his right hind forward under himself which may be painful if he has tummy upset. Just an idea
 
I would start working on the right side of him more. Leading him about, tacking up ... make a list of all the things you do with him from the left side and you will be amazed. Then flip it round (trust me it feels weird for us as well) and work on his right instead.
Its a start and i agree with the post about using two lunge lines, long reigning and taking your time. Be calm, clear and consistent and if in doubt get in a professional who isnt going to be a bully but kind and sympathetic :)

Good luck x
 
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