He tries to intimidate to get what he wants.

This is a very common rider created issue.
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[@JordannaMusard]

My horse was a head tosser and occasionally he takes a notion and will try me again. I just keep asking for forward and the head will stop. I didn’t have access to a professional trainer so I read watched your videos and taught my horse it isn’t easy but I have a loyal trusted companion that’s sane and safe. You’re right it takes MILES in the saddle and consistency in what you’re asking horse to do

[@leslielehman2040]

"Bless your heart" hahahhahahah!

[@barbedstar6480]

He's such a good looking little snot! Great job, Tim.

[@joannefletcher1586]

We decided to sell our half-draft mare that used spooking to intimidate us. She dumped me and two other people. We are all good, experienced riders and at 66 this was not something I was prepared to deal with. Her new owner got her number right away and they are doing great together.

[@BoninBrighton]

Totally agree, we had an Appaloosa mare who reared, I couldn’t take the risk so sold her- she did really well with a 6 ft 12 stone polo rider on her- she could turn on a sixpence but not lift up high to rear.

[@antoinetterentmeester3411]

I have a Tennessee Walking Horse that would throw her head like that. My niece rode this horse, and with constant riding, her head tossing quit. I thought it was the bit, saddle, etc. It was just the horse not wanting to be ridden. After trail riding her, the horse gave up the head tossing, and now trail rides very nice with no head tossing.

[@caroleshortt2715]

A hundred thumbs up.

[@dianagann3203]

he moves like a foxtrotter

[@dl2467]

Agree....spoiled, No rules Home & does what he wants, when he wants, & hes lazy. Got the right guy on him now. He will Learn & he will get with the program. Great Job❤

[@lindathornton7591]

The best thing I ever read years ago (when there was no media like we have today...gosh I wish we had) was makeing the right thing to do the easiest thing to do. All I had at the time was Western Horseman to help me. When my quarter horse was reining hard to the right I road him straight into a fence and pulled to the right. Supriseing how that worked and how soft he became. When he had a hard time accepting the bit I put honey on the bit for a few bridleings and I ended up with a horse that lowered his head and picked up the bit on his own. He was a great horse, so forgiving of my ignorance.

[@james-we6fr]

When I was a kid I started riding my Dads mare. We had some family at the house for a cookout. I pulled the mare up to a stump to get on her, dad asked why’d I do that. I told him that she kicked when I tried to use the stirrups, that didn’t go well with him. He was cooking so my uncle got me off and worked with her. She cow kicked him also. I don’t remember what took place but she never did it again. Just goes to show how bad behavior can get started with a 5 yr old.

[@joannefletcher1586]

My current horse was pretty spoiled and tried to intimidate me, but once I figured out he was really not out to hurt me we have been able to work through it. He has accepted my leadership and we are enjoying our rides together now. If he does pretend to be scared, two or three tight 'knock it off' circles helps his mind get right again.

[@cherylwooley852]

I had a Tennessee walking horse, that looked exactly like him. He was a spooky, looky horse, but he taught me lots.

[@caroleangel9287]

What an attitude! I don’t know a lot about horses but I raised a teenage daughter and I recognize the head tossing..🤣🤣

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes very similar. 🤣🤣🤣

[@weaveandwobble]

Wow! This is so much like my horse! I think he came from the same situation as Rocky! It was so amazing to watch this! He gets tossing his head like that. I've been using more leg to drive & flexing his head to the inside of the circle to build rein contact. Mine is a tennessee walker. Rocky reminds me of this.

[@sabbyd1832]

Gosh, what a handful. Look forward to seeing his progress

[@mbutler500]

He looks so uncomfortable to ride

[@lspthrattan]

I completely agree with the captioned remarks; Rocky's not truly "spooky", he's just faking it to get out of work and acting like a balky teenager who's been a bit spoiled. I also agree with Tim that he needs a few good sweaty saddlepads; after a while, Rocky will figure out that fighting is harder than working.

[@Lanedl1]

So much walking drama. But I got to hand it to Rocky he did not stop the head tossing, stumbling, tail twitching. He has his rebellion method down. What would he do if you insisted he pick up the pace? He would probably start yelling for Bob to save him. 😀

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

🤣🤣

[@lesliegreiff6415]

It was interesting as he started to realize you weren’t changing your mind and he started relaxing, how his stride lengthened and smoothed out.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes when he is not fussing he has a nice gait.

[@gaylemanion6869]

If he brings the same intensity to a job that he does to resisting he'll be awesome. I look forward to watching his inevitable transformation. He just doesn't quite understand yet that the Tim is aboard and his life is about to change.

[@jewelsluv67]

LOL For sure !

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes he has the potential to be a very good horse especially with the right rider.

[@sassy6292]

Standing in mud is wonderful for a horse during hot humid weather. Some folks flood the area around the water trough so the horses can get a good hoof soak. One of my horses is sore now because of the hot humid weather and I didn’t think to tie her in a mud puddle. Baby powder works on squeaky saddles. I had to use it on my show saddle. You are absolutely right when you asses this horse with teenage stubbornness and pouty behaviour. It will be very interesting to see the progress on this guy. I’m glad you didn’t get hit by that awful hurricane 👍👍

[@katjordan3733]

Your training methods remind me of my Dad's. He showed me how to handle my horse correctly when she was 4 and rebellious. She and i had 30 years together, and while she was always ready to give me a hard time, Dad always said I was the right person for her. Thanks for all the videos!

[@staceyhuntington990]

He has characteristics of being a head shaker. Just something to consider.

[@k.steelman2584]

He looks so much like a toddler that has been told NO and is just gearing up to throw a full blown tantrum. It could go either way at this point. He is trying every passive way he knows to get you to back down. They have probably worked for him with other riders. Nice looking horse, spoiled disposition! Stay safe!

[@cynthiaschrantz9237]

Definitely gaited. Probably TWH. He is gaiting to get away from the bit, and doing what you are telling him to do. He is not in pain. I'm surprised he hasn't tried to bite your boots. If he was in a leverage bit, he'd be grabbing the shank to try to take control. Standing in the mud some more wouldn't hurt him at all.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes you're right with all of that.

[@kristijohnson1216]

this horse is not much of a people person. In fact he is so damned annoying that he would convince me to put him away and not ride. He is like being in a crowded, noisy restaurant. He creates so much distraction and tension for his rider.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes that is true but I think he has the potential to be nice.

[@samanthamilnes1561]

From the south of England to the people worried about mud "Bless your heart" come to England in winter and have a look at the horses in muddy fields all winter 😅

[@catherinedemick1103]

I knew you would get comments about standing in the mud on the tie line,too haha!

[@TMarie-eb8rt]

So good! Thanks Tim for sharing with us a tough training issue. I have seen this behavior with a number of horses I have owned and have been thwarted by it, not knowing how to overcome it. Knowing that I am part of the problem is very helpful.

[@wendyeichorn]

Tim you and your advice are appreciated more than I can convey! Thanks so very much🤠🤠!

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Thank you!

[@juliehmidmo]

No idea on breed but wanted to say as someone who has a horse who tries to intimidate I appreciate this video. It is amazing how my horse can be balky and irritable sometimes when we start our ride but once he accepts that we ARE going to do what I ask he is forward and willing! It usually just takes about the first 5 minutes of our ride. Like a Jekkyl & Hyde..... Oh how I hope it isn't forever but it may just be him. No matter, we are going to do what I want and just keep on keeping on. This video says I am on the right track. I keep my horses at home and as the sole caregiver I know he isn't hurting, just a dominant personality. Sorry to tell him I have the same personality! Amazing how much energy they can put into saying no.

[@MrJrFish]

This is exactly the issues I have with my horse, primarily because I'm unable to get out riding him enough and put the miles on him. He throws tantrums like this continually and it's s chore to ride him for me, when I've got limited time to spend. Hoping to get out with him more over the winter and put some regular work to him. Thanks for the vid Tim.

[@deborahgeorge9170]

Excellent dialogue about pain and not being able to diagnose a problem from watching clips of a video. I stopped reading comments on every training site. I did back a horse for about a mile once. He would not ride forward but would walk backwards. After that things improved.

[@Sine-gl9ly]

Ohoho, this sort of 'spookiness' was a _very_ common issue with the ponies I used to rehab. They 'spook' on purpose as a successful evasion technique, because they get a reward (return to stable or field, rider gets off, even gives them a treat! etc) when they do that. It's VERY different to a pony who spooks because of surprise or fear, or lack of habituation, and needs to be dealt with very differently. Lots of _steady_ work - (and steady work is not really much effort, at least mentally) helped mitigate the problem, and when that was accepted, _then_ we could start the more interesting and challenging stuff. I liked to put the miles on them by driving, if possible, when they were under about 13hh. Although I was small and lightweight, the future small child rider would not have anything like the same degree of ability or strength to use their legs when riding as I had as an adult, so driving was a useful approximation.

[@georgiascott5779]

Baby powder takes the squeak out of a leather saddle!

[@erynd2524]

Yep! I caught that behavior with my mate and she will get hammered hard for it. It started when I came off her in the way back from a trail ride . She flipped out a couple more times but I started working through it and started staying on. Now she’ll do arena laps and rollbacks for spooking if she does. I’m at a zero tolerance level with her when she does that.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes horses like that require zero tolerance.

[@lindachicette8354]

He is a brat but just temporary

[@jennyrenken8451]

Looks somewhat like my Rocky Mountain horse.

[@rhondab9792]

Guessing he's Rocky Mountain, hence his name.

[@marilynbridges8697]

More likely TWH. Rockies are mostly liver chestnut, rarely this much white.

[@KerryDior]

Tim great educational resource thanks for sharing your knowledge ❤

[@heidibujak5368]

He looks like a toddler or teenager having a temper tantrum. Our young 1/2 arab 1/2 TB cross always said No. This was interesting to see how you addressed it. My horse, who is a foxtrotter/qh/draft cross thinks he can intimidate you but as soon as you call his bluff he is fine. It has taken me 8 years to figure him out. The snaffle bit you recommended for him has worked out great. He loves it.

[@peterneilsen6249]

Yes Melinda i agree . i remember my children would shut the door harder than usual. lol. After a while then learned they got more chores to do. Thank Tim and Melinda for video..🤣🤣😂

[@Flash3-22]

Bought a senior thoroughbred who tossed his head violently one day, and other refusals. Fortunately I did quit riding him, turned out he had significant kissing spine in several places. Now he is just a pasture pet/ buddy - glad I didn't push it.

[@leeh5029]

Thinking he's a walking horse. I think once he gets over all of his silliness he's going to have a very nice gair.

[@bordergirl]

That’s some attitude lol

[@kristijohnson1216]

standing in the mud can be great for the feet. It is why people let their water tanks overflow- so the horses will have to stand in mud while drinking.

[@jewelsluv67]

QUESSING ...Palomino Quarter Horse ? Also just want to say Tim... I enjoy your channel one of my top 3 horse trainer channels , your channel shows more of the different breeds and gives more knowledge/information on them and on how to read the horses body language/movements. Very entertaining! 💯👍

[@judyhartford5019]

Your videos give confidence to correct this behaviour in our 19 year old gelding who just doesn’t want to leave his friend. Thanks Tim.

[@moearle1]

If he were to start running- would you shut him down and then continue or would you make him just keep going and ride it-if of course you felt safe-thanks so much

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I would keep him in a small circle so that he really can't go very fast but ask him to go faster.

[@octoberjubilee9866]

I appreciate your patience and persistence with Rocky. I have a horse that would toss her head and had her checked by the vet and all was good, so I ignored the behavior, and it did go away. However, she spooks from time to try to intimidate but I do make a point to ride her through it so she doesn't think she's getting away with anything. Looking forward to seeing Rocky's progress.

[@karenforgione7153]

My pony does that. When my trainer told me that I was in shock.

[@annbrown7042]

Leading my horse through the arena he will stop and stretch out as to pee he knows I will stop and wait on him so now he will do it multiple times I’m now wise to hm and will make him move his feet

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

They learn all kinds of tricks. Lol.

[@georgiascott5779]

My newish paint. Tries to be buddy soar and spooky!

[@georgiascott5779]

(Sorry that went thru twice!) Meant to add what do think of full cheek snaffle bits?

[@tammyjones2239]

My mare dose the head tossing to worn you that she going to buck. She crow hopps on me to trying and get away with not going forward.

[@SAR-f4o]

He seems like he may be a Foxtrotter??

[@rogerseebaugh9063]

put him back in the mud he's to stiff lol

[@JulianaBlewett]

He seems a little stiff in his left hindquarters. He keeps dragging his left hoof on the hindquarters

[@chalkrockranch]

I noticed this also. He seems to be weak somewhere in the hind end, and if you watch close he's stepping way up under himself with the left hind. It's like the issue is in the right hind and he compensating. It could also be that he's just getting used to carrying weight.

[@gailwolf7017]

We picked up a paint mare for $100. Because her owners were afraid of her.. she had a bunch of things she would pull to get people off her. After a couple of weeks of not getting her way and tack that fit stopped all the games. Is Rocky a Missouri Fox Trotter ?

[@jamesrhodes3871]

There are a lot of people out there that needed to hear what Tim had to say in this video. At one point both Tim and I needed to hear the same thing.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes so true!.

[@stephaniebennett7149]

By the way he carries his tail high, he may possibly be half Arabian. Which would explain the bad behavior. My step-mom raises Arabians, so I can make that comment with confidence. I'm sure there may be some sweet Arabians out there. 😊

[@pamelakohl825]

YES INDDED IM TRAINING MY UNBROKE UNTOUCHED ARABAIAN MARE SAME THING NOW 2YRSIN TRAINING FROM A BITING KICKING DRAGON SHES THE LOVE OF MY HEART NEXT TO MY GELDING WHOM PASSED OM MOTHERS DAY 2YRS AGO

[@yessabell1707]

❤❤❤

[@DeepSeeBlue3636]

In what ways can you give horses motivation to like being ridden and working with you?

[@Channelinterrupted]

Assunptions make an a$$ outta you and me...a$$ u me.....people who comment on youtube very freely do just tbat...why dony people ask questions or god forbid, watch the whole video before commenting lol

[@silky2204]

My horse does that.

[@traceyhallman691]

7:16 my boy does not sling his head but he stops at the gate and refuses to move. He moves his shoulder side ways like the horse at the mounting block did, throws his shoulder on his strong side to intimidating me. Im not quick enough to catch him before he gets me to gate..

[@xhaltsalute]

Bump up your game then!!

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

You don't have to be quick and stop him. Just make him move his feet by any way that works.

[@dixiexyz]

Kentucky Mountain?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I think that is what he is but I'm not sure.

[@cherylharless281]

"Anybidy want to come oil leather?" You offered that once before in a live.... I'm in California, so no. But I think sinking the saddle in a bucket for a couple hours might do the trick. (And yes, I'm kidding!

[@hhlagen]

I’m sending you my Arab/MFT after the 1st of 2025 somehow. I couldn’t handle the heat this summer. I almost passed out while riding 2 times. Will be getting back on him as soon as I get the storm debris under control here in north Florida and it cools down a tad more. Added: He’s gotten better at the mounting block than Rocky is but he tries me. Been watching you for over a year now and it’s helped me so much. Mine just needs more wet blankets too.

[@tracyhampton5441]

Gee the way that horse moves is hard to watch. Work your magic Tim!

[@lydiagould3090]

It was nice to see Rocky's demeanor change once he knew you were not going to give up asking for forward.The first few minutes he looked like he might throw a buck! 🤣🤣🐎That would be too much like hard work !

[@DakotasMom57]

Rocky Mountain horse

[@MaybelleFish]

Have you noticed if a horse's color gives a clue about personality traits? For instance roan horses are hard-headed, sorrel mares are temperamental...

[@roxanne7157]

Tennessee Walker.

[@SlickSydney]

Lol. Yes stubborn and lazy. Good work.

[@pamelakohl825]

ARAB APPY MAYBE ,LOVE YOUR SHOW ,LOVE FROM SALTSPRING ISLAND BC CANADA

[@carolynstewart8465]

Bag o ' tricks horsey. Does have a pretty, though, wry tail.❤

[@georgiascott5779]

Another query: What if the horse doesn’t toss his head but 4:53 ops for hold his head as high as possible and pushes into the bit?

[@Jumps4agility]

He walks like a pacer in harness…or a camel..

[@DanaPantera-o3u]

He looks like a Tennessee walker I had years ago. Same color, roan.

[@deepcover9894]

He just really doesn't want to be bothered.

[@BelindaBanas]

He is fussing quite a bit. Can't wait to see when he goes his gait. It looks like it will be beautiful 😊

[@Livesoutdoors-c2v]

Boy does that horse have nice bones and hooves! MFT?

[@terribushnell1145]

Definitely not hurting - that is all I want to get my way and do what I want - no work for me ! He's been allowed to do as he pleases. He is gaited and would be nice "when" he learns to do as he's asked. LOL I hate a squeaky saddle - always oiled and baby powdered mine to keep it quiet. He's definitely lazy and has no work ethic except to work to get you to stop so he can go hang with the other horses LOL. Looks like a fox trotter - different hip than a TWH I think.

[@phoebesmith5081]

So much sas for a gelding or stud 😂

[@lazygardens]

He has a "I don wanna doit"! look.

[@silky2204]

TWHs stumble cause they do not pick up their feet. Keep the head bobbing.

[@normajanderson7304]

This horse is no fun

[@maureenduncan1393]

Tennesse Walker?

[@donnac.1609]

Gaited for sure, but breed not so sure😊

[@karensmart9334]

A lot of folks would put a tie-down or martingale on Rocky

[@pamelakohl825]

LOL NOT ME I LOVE THE WILDNESS, YOU JUST HAVE TO BE A GOOD RIDER

[@silky2204]

TEnn Walking Horse

[@KK-mm8ms]

Hi! Ues, very helpful. Is there a way to ask you a guestion directly? Im stumped 🙈

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I answer those questions on my patreon page.

[@georgiascott5779]

At about 14 min you say he’s slowed down and you keep kicking. But what about a ‘balky’ attitude?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes. He used a lot of energy unnecessarily. When he wants to slow down I want him to wish he had made smarter decisions about expelling energy.

[@patveldhoven4919]

The horse reminds me of those progressive , inclusive types.

[@carolynstewart8465]

The kind of people Jesus likes...progressive and inclusive!❤❤❤❤

[@lazygardens]

So the tie line is like "time out" for a toddler?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Exactly!

[@wendyeichorn]

Would you say that you always ignore the head business? My horse is just getting back into training and I have the same thing, plus - gnashing on the bit. Speaking of the bit, how tight do you draw your bits into their mouths - one wrinkle? Thank you!!!

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Once I eliminate teeth issues then I ignore head tossing. Ideally I like to adjust the bit about 1/8th inch down from the corners of the mouth. That encourages the horse to hold the bit which is good for communication. The variable that might change that is the structure of the bars and location of K9 teeth. Sometimes because of those you have to adjust the bit up or down. I had a horse a while back that had K9 teeth the required me to raise the bit higher.

[@wendyeichorn]

@@timandersonhorsetraining Hi Tim! Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed response. The teeth are not the issue any longer. In the Spring - we found out that he had exploded a left lower molar and that it had also impacted the tooth in front of it.... the two teeth were removed on June 4th. I just began riding him again in September. I have owned Shooter for 9 years and he is 19 years old. He had been an Oklahoma ranch horse, then leased out for trail riding in Virginia. When I purchased him, that was what I wanted to do, trail ride forever. However, we ended up moving a number of times and over a nine year period - I probably do not have a total of 30 rides on him. This video said so many things that resonated with my situation.... I need a lot of wet saddle blankets. Shooter also has an old scar, from Okalhoma, all the way across his tongue.... I had been trying to stay out and off of his mouth.... however, no matter that I have consistently done ground work with him, twice a day, I have found that it has NOT translated great to the saddle. I find him to argue about everything. All of the head shaking and gnashing on the bit. Yesterday, just prior to watching your video I had decided enough was enough, and I got after him for the head stuff and made him go. When he refused things, we circled and circled. I should let you know I have been riding since I was a baby. I like horses with go. I am not afraid in the saddle, but just wanted to be a better horsewoman with all of this natural horsemanship stuff. I just turned 64 so also need to be sensible and realistic. Yesterday was a turning point, after watching your video - I am curious about not getting after him for all of the head stuff. It does not intimidate me but is sure annoying. I will check the bit adjustment again - I think I am where you are recommending it should be. Please know that your teaching is making a huge difference for folks like me..... we are trying. I wish I lived closer and we would take lessons from you. I know 19 years old is older than you like to work with - but for Shooter this is really about a refresher. He was really well trained when I purchased him and knew roll backs, single flying lead changes and all sorts of things that I do not know how to do. He was very compliant but is not testing my worthiness and fortitude. Thanks and sending hugs from Colorado!!!!!!!

[@pamelakohl825]

ARABIAN CROSS

[@Rosebud65]

Will the owner come and work with you once you’ve put some miles on him?

[@georgiascott5779]

Thanks!

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Thank you

[@georgiascott5779]

My newish paint. Tries to be buddy soar and spooky!

[@georgiascott5779]

What do you think of a full cheek snaffle bit?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

The D Ring I use works similar. I use the D Ring because it is western legal and the full cheek is not.

[@VonPrince]

Tennessee walking horse most likely

[@shyvadragon2259]

Change directions

[@shyvadragon2259]

LOL thank you

[@debraclogston9379]

Are you upset with the armchair trainers, Tim?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Sometimes but I'm getting better at ignoring them.

[@debraclogston9379]

@@timandersonhorsetraining I hope you are finding what joy that you can. It's a long road but, I'm sure you can find what you need.😊

[@gaylemanion6869]

@@timandersonhorsetraining negative comments are from people who have not achieved your level of success