| That rearing horse looks great in a picture frame but | | | | the root problem. For example, if the horse rears in a |
| hardly inspires that "Hi Yo Silver Away!" feeling while in | | | | certain area, it may well be due to apprehension about |
| the saddle. A rearing horse is an unhappy horse that | | | | a condition in that area. In this case, fixing the condition |
| has put both the rider and the horse at risk of injury | | | | in that area will cure the rearing. |
| and serious harm. Stopping a horse from rearing can | | | | If the horse begins to rear at intervals into the ride, the |
| be a dangerous endeavor so the rider must always | | | | horse may be tiring and working too hard. Rearing is |
| exercise a caution-first approach. | | | | the horse's resistance to the overwork. On the other |
| A horse can rear with or without a rider aboard. If a | | | | hand, the horse might be lazy and disrespectful of the |
| rider is aboard, it is safest to dismount before | | | | rider's authority. In these cases, it may be best to |
| attempting a remedy. Attempting to cure the rearing | | | | remove the equipment and exercise the horse around |
| from the saddle is dangerous and offers the rider far | | | | the pen. This eliminates the discomfort possibility and |
| less than the desired amount of control than may b e | | | | allows the trainer/rider to assert his/her authority. Once |
| necessary to calm the horse. | | | | the horse recognizes the rider as the respected |
| As with any health or behavioral condition, it helps to | | | | leader, challenges to the authority will cease. For this |
| know why the horse might be rearing. The four most | | | | reason, the rider may choose extended pen sessions. |
| common causes of the rearing horse are: | | | | Usually, the horse will acknowledge the authority after |
| - Young horses often have oats to release | | | | several sessions and the rider may then begin to ride |
| - The horse could be in pain or discomfort | | | | again. |
| - The horse could be experiencing fear or | | | | Many riders do not realize the amount of effort it |
| apprehension | | | | takes for a horse to rear. Rearing is a major effort |
| - The horse could be expressing a rebellious tendency | | | | and a pretty dramatic expression of a root issue. The |
| or disrespect for the rider or trainer | | | | rider can discourage the rearing by keeping the horse's |
| To mend any pain or discomfort, make sure the | | | | head tucked down. A horse cannot rear without lifting |
| equipment is properly fit. If the rider thinks the problem | | | | the head. The rider should try to keep the head |
| persists, call the veterinarian and arrange a checkup. | | | | "collected" but the process should not evolve into a tug |
| Usually, the act of rearing is the result of a root | | | | of war. |
| problem. | | | | After the horse rears, the rider should avoid harsh bits. |
| Assuming the tack is appropriate and the horse is in | | | | Usually rearing is an understandable reaction to a |
| good health, the rider can address other, more | | | | condition. A harsh bit does not address the cause but |
| probable causes of the rearing. As the rider has | | | | can cause damage to the mouth while not remedying |
| dismounted, the horse's rearing remedy will be derived | | | | the root problem. |
| from groundwork performed by the rider. | | | | Extensive groundwork is the best cure for rearing. This |
| The rider must identify and address the root problem, | | | | work is about gaining mental control. Harsh bits and |
| not the effect. To help identify the root problem the | | | | tight reins do not accomplish this. The ability to mend |
| rider should try to answer these questions: | | | | the rearing habit is directly proportionate to the rider's |
| - Does the horse rear in a certain area? | | | | commitment to groundwork and establishing |
| - Does the horse rear for all riders? | | | | authority.Kerrie Tischer is the owner of Livery Stable. If |
| - Does the horse rear at the beginning of each ride or | | | | you're in the market to sell or buy a horse, this is the |
| at intervals through the ride? | | | | place to start. They offer horse classifieds as well as |
| These type questions can help identify the root | | | | detailed information on riding, selecting a good horse |
| problem. Additionally, establishing a pattern may explain | | | | and much more. Visit online for more information. |