Question # 174: One of my teenage riders (novice level eventer) had to take a couple of months off riding because of grades. She's back on track, riding again, but my sweet natured draft cross, won't go for her. He balks, bucks and just plain ignores her!
She can't even get him to trot! I ride him pretty regularly, and after she struggles with him, he starts out a bit buck-y for me , but works out of it. I'm kind of at a loss. She's not especially assertive, but she's not wimpy either! Any ideas? (Jodi)
Hi Jodi!
Was the horse out of work too? Or just the rider? Is she the only one who has this problem on this horse? If the horse has been out of work for a while as well, and he's doing this with other riders, it may be that he has a niggling obscure physical problem that is making him crabby and unwilling to work. Or maybe he has changed shape some, and has a saddle fitting issue? If the problem is truly only with this rider, then it sounds like she needs to find a way to increase his respect for her. Read this entry on dealing with the lazy and/or naughty horse, for some ideas of ways for her to improve his level of respect for her... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
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