Question # 260: My horse is lazy and behind the leg regularly. I have worked hard on getting her more responsive by doing the things suggested on this website - following up immediately and consistently. However, my mare doesn't really care about...
...the whip, even to the point that I have put welts on her. One big whack doesn't do it. I have had more success with three or four rapid smacks but it ends up looking like I am beating my horse. And I usually have to repeat it several times in a schooling session. I ended up taking off my spurs and stopped supporting the "forward" with my legs in order to prevent her from getting dull and non responsive, but her apathetic attitude worries me that I have no tools left. What do you suggest? (Frankie)
Hi Frankie!
I have worked with a few horses like this over the years! It can be very difficult to teach this type of horse to respect the rider's leg aids and keep them regularly in front of the leg. But it can be done! It sounds like you have done all the right things so far, and I totally agree about taking off your spurs. With this type of horse, the louder your aids get, the more they tune you out. We have to find a way to ignite that spark in her brain, so that she will begin to truly think forward. What has worked for me in this situation was to teach the horse to... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
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