| The first thing to do is to stay relaxed, especially if you | | | | crazy. |
| are in the middle of riding as horse can sense when | | | | It could be the horses tack, imagine how you feel |
| you are nervous and will have a negative effect on | | | | when your clothes are not quite sitting properly. We |
| them. | | | | feel agitated and want to do something about it and |
| Check your riding position to ensure you are not doing | | | | the same goes for all horses. The leather may be old |
| anything out of the ordinary such as clenching the | | | | and worn and this can be very uncomfortable so |
| horse with your heels. If the reins are being held too | | | | check if everything is looking ok and that nothing is |
| tight then this may be the cause, this is usually the | | | | sticking into the horse that would make it react the |
| case for new riders as they feel compelled to hang on | | | | way it is. |
| tight but this just makes the riding experience less | | | | If the horse you are riding is unfamiliar with your style |
| pleasurable as the horse reacts negatively to it. | | | | of riding then this could be another reason why it is |
| Try making set moves with the horse such as riding in | | | | acting strange and out of control. Every rider has a |
| a tight circle to show the horse that you are in control; | | | | different style and each horse reacts differently |
| it may be just what it needs to calm down. There is | | | | especially if they are young. Start out with gentle |
| obviously a reason why horses react the way they do | | | | instructions and do not be too rough with the horse, if |
| but the reason may be quite simple. Weather | | | | the horse does not react to that then be more |
| conditions are one reason why horses may lose | | | | assertive. Failing all this then consult your vet as there |
| control or if there are any loud noises that they may | | | | may be a problem with the horse such as back ache |
| not be used to then this can also turn them a little | | | | or other problems with the hoofs etc. |