Fixing A Lazy Horse

[@suzanneterrey4499]

As a dressage rider with a lazy Hanoverian, I finally used a whip and hit him pretty hard behind my leg to get his response after I had used firm leg pressure. I smacked him pretty good once and then only had to do that one or two times after that, I got immediate response to light leg from then on. I never had problems with the go button after that and never needed the whip again to make him go. As far as leg yields and half pass, I only had to tap his shoulder for half pass and tap behind my leg for leg yield once or twice, but I didn't need to smack him or tap him after that. He got the message, but I really only believed in hitting him once but making it a good smack when I had to use the whip. He used to buck when I canter departed him, but I learned to ride through the bucking on canter departs, and after doing that for an hour, during a lesson, I had greater confidence in staying on during bucking and sitting "back" always during canter departs. I had tears in my eyes, from stress and fear during that hour long session, but he stopped bucking...lol.

[@ivanriano2305]

Thanks Jordan. Nice video and very helpfull. I have a lazy horse and doing what you teach, really change the way he works.

[@JJhaze]

Yesterday mine WOULD NOT MOVE.. I tried everything. Cluck, kick , crop... Nothing.. Got off, Lunged , saddle on. Got back on.. Nothing... Did this 5 times... Nothing.. So frustrating... He won I guess... Getting a trainer... We have times when he's absolutely fine... So crazy

[@charliewhon6548]

Have you had him tested for PSSM type 1 or 2?

[@horsetraining101]

I would rule out any pain/health issues first, but if it's not that, then what you could try is back your horse. I look at it like this, if you don't want to go forward then let's go backwards. It's just a quick fix, but it works.

[@houstonbrown3450]

@Horse Training 101 he has plenty of energy in the pasture,loves to run,but under saddle he's different, becomes lazy

[@horsetraining101]

@@houstonbrown3450 Have you established a good forward cue? When I am dealing with a lazy horse, I work on that forward cue, meaning I always ask with the slightest cue first, which is my body position, then I tell with my legs, after that it's demand. You can use a dressage whip, training stick on the demand. Be black and white with your horse. Ask, Tell, then Demand. Start at the halt and work your way up. It works for me everytime.

[@comfysofa1472]

Definitely rule out pain/discomfort. My girl would get stubborn when our saddle stopped fitting and also because she had undiagnosed low grade laminitis. Always check and double check for pain

[@zarah1115]

My horse has had some time off and now getting back into work he just ignores all leg pressure..if you get him to a trot he will trot for a few seconds and just halt out of no where

[@heather1589]

Thanks for the video, i am going to try this today. I have a question: how about getting them to lope? I can only get 2 steps out of him and he refuses to do more. If i spank him he bucks but wont lope.

[@jordanshore2080]

Try to achieve this on the ground first. If you have a decent sized round pen, put him in there (with a saddle on) and use a flag or whip to help encourage him to lope. He needs to be moved out and "freed up." He probably feels like a car that when you press the gas pedal it also feels like someone is pressing onto the brake at the same time. In order to get him moving more free you need to push him out and get rid of that "pressing on the brake" feeling. Do this by asking with a little bit of pressure and then increase till you see his feet speed up, then back off a little pressure and repeat. You may need to push him into a pretty strong lope. If this doesn't help, I would highly suggest seeking a professional to help you get this done (in person). The timing and feel a professional has developed over years of training can't compare to a KZbin comment explaining how to achieve this.

[@heather1589]

@@jordanshore2080 thanks so much for your help!

[@JoanEllis-g4h]

Does anyone know if you can ride a horse with a stifle issue. She runs fine thanks.

[@Gee-lo6cb]

The horse is lame in the right hind end. Hip or hawk joint

[@houstonbrown3450]

My horse is disrespectful in the round pen refuses to longe ,a few laps he's finished ,when asked with the stick and string he gets defensive,I know ground work is the foundation ,need to build a better foundation, he's almost 4 tennessee Walker,, possible too much line breeding !!?

[@lifeinthesaddle7002]

Have you tried using a flag to lunge him?

[@houstonbrown3450]

@@lifeinthesaddle7002 yes no results,he may take a few steps but nothing

[@lifeinthesaddle7002]

@@houstonbrown3450 oh👀

[@houstonbrown3450]

@@lifeinthesaddle7002 he may walk a few laps on the longe line,not much, energy into it,that's it a few weeks ago trainer got his attention in the round pen I get him home nothing,thanks

[@comfysofa1472]

Rule out pain first, my mare would get defensive when our saddle stopped fitting and also because she had undiagnosed low grade laminitis. Pain is gone and she’s a lot more responsive and doesn’t get upset.

[@kash2384]

my horse won’t go forward or sideways

[@redshorse]

Excellent !

[@shellineal5179]

Great video thank you

[@michealgarshak4982]

Hello Shelli how are you doing and how is the weather over there with you

[@emmatoman2286]

Thank you !!

[@amandaking2342]

My horse still won’t move and doesn’t listen to a whip either, what should I do

[@jordanshore2080]

Find a trainer or someone who has dealt with horses like what you have. There are some things you can't fix yourself by watching a video. It seems you may need some help in person or have that person fix it for you. That may not be the answer you're looking for but it is what your horse probably needs. I have tried watching videos on how to fix certain things on my truck and some things I did learn to do by a video but some things I have to leave to a mechanic in order to get it done right or I end up with a bigger problem. And that is just a vehicle that doesn't have a mind of its own! Hope that makes sense.

[@andreacavaliere884]

Good interesting video

[@dgeorge]

Definitely need this one lol

[@klospike]

That horse is very lame on his front legs, especially his left front leg! I rather consult a veterinarian than training him over his pain!

[@1woksape606]

Abuse, trauma, dispirited, witless leaders, boring rider experiances, etc

[@gerrycoleman7290]

It is not the horse that is the problem, it is the human.

[@AnneLi236]

Why are you riding a horse that has pain in his hip.. ? :/

[@HannahWarnes-f8c]

Imagine using a lame horse and putting it in more pain just for a demonstration