Comments for Tennessee Walking Horse Problem!

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Apr 28, 2018
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be a leader not a boss
by: Horsehelp

Horses don't like being bossed around, so it's important to make friends and then become a good leader. Horses like having someone to lead them. after all, that is how herds work! ( : try doing some ground work; leading him through simple twists and turns, and give him a good grooming after. Hang out with him in the paddock, and give him treats. Also, doing some tackles riding would make him feel less confined.

Dec 10, 2017
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Here
by: Anonymous

You really need to show him who is boss. Watch your trainer when he(or she)rides your horse. Then try to do what he does. You need to show your horse who is boss but do not hurt him. But like somebody else said he could be getting bored.

Hope this helps!

Dec 17, 2016
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Different routine
by: Macy

Hey some advise from a person who works with horses every day! Some horses get bored (tired of the same routine ). Have you worked the same way for a long time? Try and take your horse to a new environment (pasture, arena etc.)

One of the horses I have worked with had the same problem! I took him on an hour trail ride, and the next day he did a lot better! This may be tough for you to get out of the area you are in but just a tip on what I would do!

Jan 30, 2016
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I know what's going on!
by: Breyerlove4life

If any of y'all did not know but Tennessee Walking horses only trot or lope in harness.

Dec 25, 2015
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or
by: Jumper

or kick him harder. Cluck louder. Do everything your doing, but more.

Dec 25, 2015
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Use this!
by: Jumper

So, your situation is that you cant get your horse to speed up. My horse is the same. I suggest using a crop. tap your thigh with the middle, and if he/she doesn't respond to that, give his/her rump a tap with the opposite end of the crop as you are holding it. If this doesn't work, ask your instructor/parent to put you on a lunge line. With you on the horse, your instructor can use a long whip and hit the ground behind your horse. Your horse should respond to that. Also, spurs might help. When you want to make your horse go from trot to canter, kick him (not too hard though) with your spurs. He is likely to respond to that. If all 3 don't work, use all 3 at the same time. I hope you solve your problem!!!

-Jumper

Aug 22, 2015
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Some Help
by: Sarah

As other have already stated-get to know your horse more such as what he responds to best and what he can do.
Another thing that I can add is that horses are herd animals that are always trying to move up a spot in the pecking order. Your instructor/trainer has established that she is the lead mare with the horses at the barn-therefore, the horses respect her and will listen to her cues better. They probably in their heads even go, "Oh it's her! I better behave or she'll get on me for it!" It's like this at all lesson barns. If a horse doesn't listen to a rider, the trainer/instructor will come over and the horse will respond immediately when he sees that. You must establish yourself as a leader, otherwise your TWH will think you don't deserve to tell him what to do. Do this by showing him that you can control his feet. Do some ground work by making him back up, go forward, turn, lunge him, etc. Another thing is that you can't let him get away with saying "no" to any of your commands. Show him that he's going to just have to deal with you. Smack him on the neck if he won't go forward (but don't hit him constantly as he will become afraid-only ever do this as *reinforcement* and don't ever until necessary). Kick him with your heels. Use your riding crop, you have it for a reason. Naturally, we don't want to do this-but you have to show that you are the leader, even though your horse is much bigger than you. Always start with the slightest cue possible and build up more and more pressure until you get the ideal response from him for example start with leg pressure. Then do the following in the order stated if he doesn't respond to that-use your seat, cluck/kiss, use your voice, kick, smack him on the neck, and if all else proves useless use your riding crop.

Dec 02, 2014
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wow
by: Alyssa the horse gentler

Okay so I know what you need to do! You need to get closer to your horse here are 3 things that might help.
1.Blow into his/her nose if she/he blows back he/she knows you are friends! Why you do this is this is how horses make friends with other horses!
2.Study your horse
3.Groom as much as you can![every day if you can!]

Apr 12, 2014
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This might help
by: Violet

Maybe you can ask your trainer what you are doing wrong. That might help.

~Violet

Apr 03, 2014
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Here's Some Advice
by: Shali

My instructor tells me that if one person can ride a horse and another can't, then it's the rider's fault. Did you ever try bonding with the horse? That might help.
Remember - the horse can sense what you feel. If you feel nervous or scared, then the horse will know. Be confident, be sure. Sit straight, and keep the reins short. I used to have the same problem with a mare.
She's really stubborn. She's thrown off my mother before and loves to randomly break into a gallop in the middle of an arena. I kept insisting on riding her for a few weeks. Eventually, she became familiar with me, and I became more confident with her. I learned how to read her body language and when to pull, when it's time to accept the whip. Now, we get along like a house on fire. I even won a competition with her.
If you're still having trouble with the horse, then you should try easier horses first, before focusing with this horse. Try bonding with her, too. My problem horse became easier after a few hours of sitting in front of her stall talking to her. Good luck!

Mar 25, 2014
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My help
by: Anonymous

I do not agree with hitting or kicking as it does get the horse use to it (This would be why a lot of cool horses need kicking). In order for the horse to listen to you, train him on the ground first! Can start with lunging if you want, just make him work hard to show him who is the boss. A great help to learn is by watching videos by Clinton Anderson. His videos has helped me turn an unrideable horse who bucks riders off, to the perfect horse.

Feb 20, 2014
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Dont let him get away with it!
by: Leila

If he does it again,smack him behind the girth kick on and growl his name at him. Whatever you do, do not be afraid to smack him if he deserves it!(seriously though only if he deserves it...) Sometimes carrying a whip is enough because remember that threat is better than the deed. If carrying the whip doesn't work try shortening your reins as if you were getting ready to smack him and he should go off then. If it does not work next time when your trainer rides him look carefully at her technique. when you ride your horse sit quietly in the saddle and don't say anything except when telling him to move on and growling at him don't flap about in the saddle. relax into his stride and only use your lower leg to kick or squeeze.(it depends which one he is trained to respond for) and always back your leg aids up with your whip.

hope it helped,
leila.=-)

Jan 22, 2014
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hope this helps
by: sweetie 22

he is thinking that he can be the boss of you, so you have to try to be the boss of him.

Jan 03, 2014
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Hi
by: Anonymous

My horse has the same problem and my trainer says it is because I'm so small and my horse thinks he can drag me around.

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