Maybe your horse is afraid of something? So, for the shaking of the head when you and your horse gallop,sometimes it's bugs. Or the girth is too tight. Or the bridle is too tight. I would loosen the bridle. If that doesn't work, i would put bug spray on him/her. If that doesn't work, maybe adjust your girth.
If not, I would ask a professional. And if your horse does it right, give her treats! If she doesn't do it right, then don't give her treats.
And for the dirt road, maybe put her on a halter and walk her close to the dirt road. Walk close to it at first. With a treat in your hand. Then, after you and your horse accomplish that, Keep your horse on his/her halter and have treats in your hand and walk on the dirt road while your walking beside her. If that doesn't work, then lay treats on the dirt road every five feet. That may work. If not, I'd ask a professional. Good luck!
- Mary Ashley
Dec 18, 2017 Rating
Thanks by: Becca
Thanks for the info! That sounds like that might work! Thank you so Much!!
She has been doing great when we have been riding. We even are starting to teach them to jump over small logs and handmade jumps that my brother made! I'm so thankful for this website! I learned so much! Thank you all!
Dec 16, 2017 Rating
Some ideas by: Anonymous
Hey, read your "story" and the comments below. First off, yes you can ride in the winter. Just make sure there is no ice present.
Some ideas to help with the refusing: 1. Make your own obstacle of objects, and walk your horse through, over, or around them. This may help with some things your horse may be scared of.
2. Try just leading your horse through/down the road. Maybe there is something bothering your horse. Leading through it, and ending up at the other end, gives your horse confidence that its okay.
3. Ride with another person who has a very well trained/easy going horse. This may show your horse that there is nothing to be afraid of.
4. Reward with good behavior. Give your horse treats when he does what you ask. Speaking softly telling him/her they are a good boy/girl and patting their neck, will often sooth a horse.
5. Lastly, try just working in your arena for a few days. Sometimes horses just go through a phase and need some extra work on something.
If you need some more ideas, feel free to ask me. Sorry for all the info, I have some good experience with horses, and I have a horse that used to do this!
Dec 06, 2017 Rating
Scary object by: Anonymous
There might be something in the trail that scares the horses that you have. Try looking for something that looks like it would scare horses.
Hope this helps!
Dec 03, 2017 Rating
Totally understand by: Charlie_Rose
I had a similar problem with my pony refusing to ride on a trail. Just reward him every step he takes in the right direction. Try getting him used to the surroundings, if that doesn't work let me know.
Nov 14, 2017 Rating
Thanks! by: Becca
Hi! I ride western :-) thanks for the information! Also, should I ride in the winter? Or is it too slippery? We have no shed to ride in.
Nov 08, 2017 Rating
Totally understand ya! by: McKenzie
My horses do that all the time! Try watching his ear language. Either he's scared or just trying to be stubborn. Have you tried shoeing him? That might help.
Choose a day when you're completely free and just you and him go to the dirt road. Walk him all through it so that he can see it in many different ways. If he does well give him an award (preferably a treat).
After exploring for a while, try getting in the saddle (be sure to wear a helmet!) Talk to him calmly to let him know that you're there and focus all of your attention on him. Try to get him to move. Be stern to let him know who's boss but don't be too aggressive with him.
Do you ride Western or English saddle?
Oct 17, 2017 Rating
hmmm by: Anonymous
Have you tried riding with someone who has a calm horse? Follow them a couple times then maybe your horse will be a little more comfortable.
Oct 15, 2017 Rating
Try this? by: Sydney from HorseCrazyGirl.com
Does someone else you know have a good horse that yours will follow? Maybe if you ride a couple of times your horse will become more comfortable.
Some horses get spooked and maybe there is something that is scaring your horse.
Hopefully more of our readers will give you some advice!
