Becki1802
Well-Known Member
Shoot me down here but:
My horse occasionally props badly towards the fence then jumps it, I have no problem at all hitting her behind my leg to send her forward. She jumps MUCH better because of it but you have to make it clear. Currently I am schooling at home with a long stick as it means I can 'flick' before she props. I think that sometimes giving a horse a 'whack' can be really useful and beneficial. I went XC last week and she propped towards a fence badly, on landing, (I'm not going to gloss) 'whacked' her twice behind my leg. She then jumped a lot better as it becomes crystal clear what is expected of her!
I think I'd agree with rotter that there is a time and a place! I've even been told in lessons before with good instructors when the horse is naughty & stops they get one tap on the bum. I think it is different if the horse is terrified and my horse won't tolerate a stick and it's counter productive. As soon as I feel the horse backing off it is leg and possibly growl & the stick is a last resort. Although I do agree with OP that there is lost of misuse, overkill and punishment when the stop was due to rider error/lack of leg etc etc.