At 02:17:02 on 30.11.11, Timony wrote:
I have just starting riding a new horse (Choc) who hasn't been ridden for over a year. He is a standardbred and 17hh - so very big boy! He is doing really well, considering he hasn't been ridden for so long! I don't have any problems controlling him or anything, except.. on an outside trail ride, in order to get through one section.. we have to go through a narrow opening between a fence and tall bush. Every time we get to that part, Choc refuses to walk through, and starts to back up and reverse. I wait until he has stopped moving backwards, and try again. But still, the same thing happens and he begins to back up further! After trying to get through the gap many times, he ends up backing up over 10m away from the gate! So I get off him, and walk him through.. still he hesitates a bit, and once i finally get him walking through, he bolts to get through the gap. I dont really want to have to dismount him because he is sooo tall and suuuch a mission to get back onto him! Does anyone have any advice for me? How can I get him walking through the gap without hesitation?

At 22:05:50 on 30.11.11, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
Horses are clostrophobic naturally so don't want to go through a narrow space and if they must they will rush. The best way is to get another horse to lead and litterally keep him up the other horses bum until you get through, at first he will rush but go backward and foreward through it until he settles, and DONT get off! Ever! lol he will see it as a win for him, he should trust you in and out of the saddle. Hope this helps.

At 23:39:54 on 04.12.11, Timony wrote:
Thank you! I will try this and see how it goes.. I think I might also try and cut down some of the bush so its a big more of a wider gap! Thanks again!

At 08:42:32 on 14.12.11, Flicka wrote:
Hi, how's it going with this problem? My mare Millie hated going through gaps like this when I first had her even with another horse leading although it definitely helps to have a confident horse give you a lead. As Jess says it's quite natural. I don't think its wrong to get off a horse to lead them through or past something that scares them but I always prefer to stay on my horse especially when they are big like yours, I've had a horse escape from me and get injured which has definitely made me determined to stay in the saddle to solve problems when out hacking. Just take your time, make sure you're not hassled by having to be anywhere else. Keep facing the gap and reward any try-release the pressure from your legs(constant squeeze works better than kick, kick, kicking I find) as soon as they step forward and take each step at a time. Keep your breathing deep and steady and think 'I have all the time in the world.' And keep your focus positive and forward. My mare used to hate crossing water but this way I got her to accept it. Yesterday we crossed the stream that used to be such a problem to her and because of all the rain, it was really high and rushing along-she didn't even hesitate and led all the other horses through-after she'd had a hearty drink.

At 09:05:56 on 14.12.11, Reggyroo wrote:
Try teaching him to back up through the gate way! I know it seems hard but it is quite effective. My foals had heaps of trouble with gate ways but I would back them through and then walk back forwards until they just got bored. It is easier, in my opinion because you are manipulating the horses natural instinct and also making them trust you because they have very limited vision behind them. Good Luck and let me know how you go.

At 19:29:28 on 07.03.12, amylouise95 wrote:
With mine, I always struggle to open gates on her. She seems to hate standing still long enough so that I can.. I have only managed to open and go through one once! Whiich is quite bad cos theres quite a few near me, I usually have to ask a passer by or just leave it and go somewhere else :/ Anyone have any advice please? Thanks! :)

At 12:10:23 on 08.03.12, Flicka wrote:
Hi amylouise95- this video might help you. When I've ridden in the school or go back into the yard I always try and open the gate from the back of my horse, closing it isn't so easy though but it's something worth practicing for lots of reasons. When I've hunted on Exmoor it can be a nightmare especially if it's windy and your horse is desperate to catch up with the rest of the field lol. When you aim a horse straight at a gate they sometimes get confused as they wonder what you want-why's she making me walk into that gate sort of thing, or she doesn't expect me to jump it from a standstill does she? Which is why you want to practice with your horse moving sideways off your leg etc so practice your turn on the forehand, turn on the haunches and leg yielding and just ask for one clear step at a time and then relax the aids. Hope that helps.

At 16:57:24 on 08.03.12, amylouise95 wrote:
Thankyou! I'll have a look at it now :)

At 06:43:01 on 12.03.12, Part Arab wrote:
Do you have the same problem when you are returning from the ride or does your boy breeze on through cause he knows where he is going - home? If he is more relaxed on the way home it may just be that he is not quite sure what is expected of him and where he's going and why. The advice above and a bit of time and practice should have you passing through without problems. Good luck :)

At 20:34:43 on 12.03.12, Rahara wrote:
Video is good ..not sure I agree that you shouldn't get off, I know I always feel safer on than off.. but recently I've been riding out with a girl who has a TB 4 yr old, my mares a squeamish thing but this girl spent 10 months bombproofing her she's unreal nothing phases her and everytime something spooked her she got off [log trucks, dustbin lorries]just to reassure her .. it helps to have a companion in these situations ..Good Luck ..