Training Horses - How to Get a Lazy Horse to Go

If you have a horse that's not exactly excited aboutmay have to increase the squeeze. Do it in intervals. If
moving faster because, perhaps, he's lazy then try this.no movement, increase the pressure slightly. Keep
First, understand that this isn't all that uncommon andincreasing pressure until horse "attempts" to move
it's easier to fix than slowing down a horse thatforward. You may also need a small whip to hold in
always wants to zoom.one hand and lightly tap him "after" you squeeze. The
Sometimes, a horse that won't go is dull to yoursecond he moves, stop squeezing your legs. Your
request. This means, when you thump your legs to gethorse may stop again. If so, repeat. Always start with
him moving, his brain doesn't get the messagethe lightest pressure.
because he is desensitized to it. Worse, the problemIt's important you look for a try and not big
can grow bigger because people mistakenly think theymovements. Tries count more because those are
need to keep kicking the horse to keep him moving.easily rewarded and the horse will try more as he
This often fails because horse owners think they needknows the try is what you wanted. Eventually, you can
to get after the horse with harsher means but thisincrease the number of steps he takes. Lastly, be sure
desensitizes the horse even more.not to squeeze your legs as you ride to hang on
To fix this, start by asking the horse lightly. Focus onbecause you will confuse him. So be sure you're riding
your horse moving instead of not moving. Now lightlycorrectly and avoid squeezing your legs.
squeeze with your legs. Due to being desensitized, you