Tips for horse that plants his feet while hacking

[Supertrooper]

16.3hh shire x - used to hack out alone in last home but had been there 3 years or so. We've had him six weeks and we've always taken him out with someone on foot, normally he's fine but occasionally on way out he's planting -he doesn't try to go up, round or anything but he just won't move forwards and he's a big horse!! He will walk forward again if someone grabs his reins and lead him and he will will follow someone with occasional attempts to stop. On way back he is fine.

Any tips much appreciated xx

 

[DuckToller]

Friends of mine had a shire x that did this. I think it was just a confidence issue, especially in a new home where everything is scary and new, but they did have their work cut out as he was rather large to argue with!

Personally I wouldn't pick any arguments you can't win, so maybe stick to doing what you are doing, be patient, kind but firm, go out with someone where possible and resort to leading him when you have to, and as he gains confidence hopefully he will get over it. You could always try swishing a whip behind him without actually belting him, or even try shaking the reins at him - that works for mine when he plants.

 

[kateknights]

Hi, My mare i used to own did this exact thing when i first had her! Fine with another horse or person or bike! But on her own, she wasn't budging.
It does get better believe me!
One day we were stood at the end of the road for 1 hour 40 mins, and i wasn't giving up! she eventually moved, and from that day onwards she used to occasionally try it on, but always moved forward a lot quicker than that very first time, little moo!
So patience is the only advice i can give really...
Good luck
Kate x

 

[jjbarney]

Mine does this. My instructor tells me it's a case of keeping the feet on the move. I knows that sounds a bit contraditory What she actually means is, if you can feel the plant coming on, all the better, keep legs firmly on. If he manages to stop, rein him to the left and then to the right and so on, anything to keep the feet on the move. As soon as he steps forward make a big fuss of him and tell him how clever he is. Barney used to be a bugga at it, but touch wood, this does seem to work. Good luck

 

[Supertrooper]

Thankyou for replies, it makes me feel better to know it's not just me. We really do need to get him out on his own, I do think part of it is a confidence issue and partly him knowing that there isn't much we can do due to his size! He is stubborn anyway bless him xx

I'd be more worried if I felt he was going to go up or nap but he doesn't give me that feeling at all. I'm also going out with instructor who also knew him in last but one home so he knows what he's likely to do.

I like the idea of just standing there until he moves on however long it takes so will also try this out xx