SIGNS A HORSE IS STUBBORN (& How To Fix It)

Is your horse stubborn? In this video, I share some of the common behaviors stubborn horses display and how you can easily correct them!
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Hi there! 👋 I'm Carmella. I've been obsessed with horses for as long as I can remember, and I make videos about all things horse training, horseback riding, and living an equestrian lifestyle. I upload new videos every Friday so subscribe now to stay connected! You can learn more about my horse story here: equinehelper.c...
I've written 200+ helpful horse articles @ equinehelper.com/!
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[@ABirdWoman]

One reminder: if you are out on the trail and the horse stops, it may feel or see something you haven’t, so assess the situation before you try to force forward movement. I had a horse that was afraid of crossing bridges because he had been forced onto a bridge that wasn’t strong enough to hold him. Respect your horse’s sensitivity.

[@LosVRC]

My horse does fine on new trails..,,but once the learns the length of the ride he won't want to do it again..

[@joe7965]

​@angelpach My horse did that once, but after he received the whip, he decided to go, no trouble since.

[@dianesamp9102]

AMEN!!!! TRUST THEM 🐴🙂🤍

[@emilyhaas6136]

Thank you! My horse is stubborn on the ground and I was looking for just this information!

[@equinequeen6377]

Hello! Just had to say tucker is just so cute and this will be very helpful for knowing what type of horse I’m dealing with.

[@CarmellaAbel]

Thank you for your support!

[@equinelastpennyfarm]

​@@dariaharruff7025umm...ok? What do you want a medal?

[@equinelastpennyfarm]

@dariaharruff7025 ok why would I care if your not horse back riding anymore just be nice to other people ok

[@equinelastpennyfarm]

@dariaharruff7025 ok? But why are you going around telling everyone that you don't want to ride anymore? If you don't want to then don't and stop hating on people that do

[@equinelastpennyfarm]

@dariaharruff7025 actually horse can be stubborn like humans hey have a mind of there own so if they don't want to do some thing they won't idk why your trying to yell everyone that you don't what to ride your sounding jealous

[@justplanebob105]

I realize that your videos are more about training than riding but I never realized there were so many things to remember about riding a horse. And so many ways to communicate to a horse from the saddle with body language; heals, knees, legs and hips as well as just body balance. I assume much of it becomes second nature as you learn but holy cow.

[@shannenkroon9794]

Positive reinforcement and clicker training has helped my boy so much to be willing to do what he’s asked

[@marylamb56]

Tucker is soooooo relaxed. He knows your drill! Got one like that. Comes from time spent! Love this!

[@meeomelovescookiesandhisto459]

Your videos are so helpful and Tucker is adorable and always cooperates so well- it's obvious you guys are such a great team! I've been away from riding for super long and never had much opportunity to go to barns so you're like the virtual barn mentor/ older sister my little horse girl self always wanted. Thanks so much, I've already made tons of progress and gotten more confident around horses again thanks to a lot of your tips :) Oh, and if you're looking for video suggestions I'd love to hear your experience with leases/ sharing horses in general, especially how to manage when you and the other horse person have different preferences or do different types of work with the same horse.

[@signfromtheheart427]

After watching this video I started using what you showed to keep your horse standing. I have had mine for just over a year and never been able to mount without him moving. We followed your instructions and after a week of ground work I was able to get on “ Levi” without him moving! Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@dianesamp9102]

I LOST MY SISTER TO CANCER IN JULY AND GOT INTO EQUINE THERAPY & ONE HORSE TOOK TO ME AS FAST AS I TOOK TO HIM. I'VE BEEN AROUND THEM MY WHOLE LIFE & THIS HAS BEEN EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED, HIS RESPONSES TO ME, INCREDIBLE. HE NUZZLES, KISSES MY FACE & LISTENS LIKE HE'S BEEN MY OWN. I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS & IT'S REFRESHING THINGS I WANTED TO KNOW. I'M HOPING TO MOVE TO TN & HAVE ONE OF MY OWN...WISHING I COULD HAVE THIS ONE I'VE BONDED WITH. I HAVE A RARE IMMUNE DISEASE & I'M SURE HE KNOWS. THEY ARE AMAZING IN HEALING BROKEN HEARTS.

[@dianesamp9102]

NOTHING ABOUT HORSES IS BS, YOUR MISSING OUT ON HEALING, INTUITIVE ANIMALS THAT ARE A GIFT TO BE AROUND. IT'S MUTUAL RESPECT AS YOU SHOULD BE DOING WITH ANY OTHER LIVING CREATURE. YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE. IF YOU'RE ALREADY NEGATIVE ABOUT THEM YOU WON'T HIDE IT FROM THEM.

[@itsjustautumn7413]

YES I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A VIDEO LIKE THIS, tysm for making it, your a great trainer

[@floppy_doggy.sso1778]

Hi. This video was extremely helpful to me as I’ve started to loan/lease a very stubborn pony that won’t walk and only walks when following, I’ve been taking my time doing this and it has helped loads.

[@trippinonlizard54]

My lease horse takes me back to the mounting block or hitching post. We've got a lot of work to do.

[@katiek.8808]

Let the horse take you there. Once you get there put those feet to work. Then walk off where you want to go. A nice calm walk. If the horse goes to turn around let it. Then repeat. Basically work at the spot you don’t want to be and rest where you want to be. Rest is anything easier than what you were doing.

[@KingsMom831]

“Signs a horse is stubborn“ -they are a horse😂😂 Kidding lol

[@Rocky-69]

I have been watching your videos these days (No I dont have a horse lol) and i only just noticed after like a week how underrated u are people like me who love ur videos but werent paying enough attention on other stuff really forget to like sub and see your average views which makes me realise how UNDERRATED you are, honestly.

[@bornhoppyhollandlops5612]

I have been riding for almost a year - my grandparents are going to move from NY and get me and my family a horse! We don't have it yet, but if it is like this, this will help alot! Thank you!

[@jaquelinevillalpando2269]

Congratulations! How’s it going?

[@bornhoppyhollandlops5612]

It's going good!

[@jaquelinevillalpando2269]

@@bornhoppyhollandlops5612 that’s cool!

[@sa_arat]

Thank you so much! I really needed this video

[@marylamb56]

Just with a sense of humor, the horse is training us. We are entertaining them. Until we agree to understand the herd animal instinct, humans will not have a successful union with their horse. Call me totally crazy. Love your efforts and love your dedication to help us to learn!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@wavyshine7020]

Your videos are soooooo helpful for who have horses and thank you for making such a nice video I wish I also have a horse

[@desimary12]

You’re one of the few who actually explains !!! I’m a beginner and I’m frustrated bc my horse is excited to get out and ride but i don’t know the small things so i think i confuse him.

[@spiridoulaathanasopoulou9244]

I Believe in stubborn people. the horse is always a reflection of the rider or the handler. happy new year.

[@briellespiano16]

Hey! Great video! I really love your channel, and have learnt so much through all your informative videos! Thankyou so much. I’de love a new video on your morning and night routine! (Feeding, brushing, riding your horses etc) Thanks again for this brilliant video. 😊

[@stephaniesheeks1310]

Just got a really stubborn horse recently and having these issues. Thanks for the tips

[@robinsonlee1591]

My horse throws head side to side tossing motion back and forth when trying to get him to move forward away from barn or buddy horse ..I do the one rein to hip or knee . But he is very strong and will not give.. What to do..tried most everything. Not a mean horse just stubborn. Rides nicely out and away with buddy for most part I understand the taking out away from barn by himself. But not the actual remedy or process to stop the head tossing

[@Lili_Millie_Mae13]

Thank you so much for making this video! I have a very stubborn pony and it helped a lot! Also, just have to say that Tucker is so cute! :)

[@gaileverett]

It cracks me up that the poster horse for "stubborn" is an Appaloosa.

[@hazelmavros]

Another fantastic informative video! Thanks 😊

[@ahbarrelracing338]

You help me soo much thanks for posting

[@solllveig_l]

So helpful. You have such a smart horse 🥰thanks!😋

[@VISHALRajput-kx3fb]

Very nice and helpful 👍

[@franciscakikakika9527]

I’m literally going to the barn to ride right now. Love your videos. Trust us we’ve all seen stubborn horses Edit: just came back from horseback riding and I tried a new horse. He’s Italian so didn’t even know how to gallop 🏇🏻 I fell that I met the second horse in my life. ( My Quimera died 2 months ago from old age)

[@alexaequestrian07]

I love how your saddle has a knee roll :( I MISS MY OLD SADDLES MY DRESSAGE SADDLE AND JUMPING SADDLE ARE TORTURE AND HAVE NO KNEE BLOCK OR ROLL

[@bambi9032]

Thank you so much I really needed the help :)

[@ponytales.]

My horse is stubborn but in a different way he is not scared of the whip so I can't lunge him because he's totally cool with the whip. And he likes to try to bite.

[@cadaverdoggs421]

I feel the whip shouldn't scare your horse but be an extension of the hand. Your horse should move from the whip because of pressure and release and not fear :)

[@CarmellaAbel]

I’ve met quite a few horses like this! 😂 The first thing to start here is teach them to respond to the lightest pressure from the whip, and you can do this throw some of the pressure and release technique I talked about when leading a horse in the video. To help him learn to respond to the lightest pressure, you can tap the crop on the ground and apply a slight pressure forward on the lead rope to help him understand he needs to step forward. As soon as he does, release. I hope this helps!

[@itsjustautumn7413]

@@cadaverdoggs421 this is very true, I know that when I ride I sometimes need a riding crop (not to hit) it’s because my horse will sometimes just stand still and not move 😂

[@ponytales.]

@@CarmellaAbel Thanks I'll try that!

[@ljo0605]

He sounds very confident and like he might need more respect for the handler/ rider. Groundwork exercises can help plus pressure and release (start light) to get him yielding a bit more. Remember to release on time and reward every try!

[@nata.s.0]

What is tack/clothes you use? I really love it and i am interested in buying products you use!😁

[@diggingmary129]

It's the bridal and saddle. 😊

[@dennisliu4257]

@@diggingmary129 he meant the brand she uses

[@lineup6823]

Your videos help me so much! Thank you.

[@lisastreasures]

Very informative thanks!

[@michelleford7392]

Thanks for another great video!!

[@freedommeow]

I'm going to use this technique on the foal who likes to freeze when we turn him out, he is very stubborn lol!

[@Julie_.Eq123]

New sub!

[@diggingmary129]

You will never be dissatisfied, she's great!!! 🐎 💕

[@faithclapp7255]

Any tips? My horse is very stubborn and won’t respond to pressure or little kicks. She does completely fine on the ground but once I get on she refuses to even walk a lap. This a recent thing, before she was fine with walking, trotting and loping with me and I always try to end on a positive note. I need some help because my trainer is out of town and I haven’t been able to talk to her about it.

[@mariannedippenaar8488]

Very good advice

[@heatherbarber8495]

Hi, Carmella! I have an issue with my horse where I can't get her to lunge. I do the pointing, then I'll swing my rope and wack my whip on the ground and she still won't move. She just pins her ears and sometimes stomps. Then I'll start tapping her with the stick and little by little, I'll increase the pressure but she just pins her ears and sometimes rears up a little. I can't get her to do it on a lunge line or in a regular round pen. I think I'm standing in the right spot....I don't know what to do. She is a 10 year old, 14.3 hand quarter horse mare. She's super sweet but just won't lunge. She was a little mistreated in her previous homes and I know they lunged her really hard so I'm wondering is she just flat out refuses to do it because she has had bad experiences before. I've only gotten her to lunge like 3-5 time and I've had her since April. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you so much! I love your videos! Keep them up because I'll always watch them! My mom who isn't even a horse person, loves to watch you. Tucker is the cutest! My first pony was a POA named Misty.

[@Clara-eh8gy]

If you're able to ride her, how about you ask someone to lunge her while you're ridding ? So you can teach her what movement she should be doing and then gradually take off rider, saddle etc..

[@naychur]

I LOVE your vest! Where did you get it??

[@apple4689]

Question, my horse is not good when riding nd hasnt fully learned cues and isnt good at walking and moving so i have to weave which is finw bit if there is anothwr person in the pen he will follow them as if hes on a lead rope 😂 and want to know how to stop this so he cn focus on the person in the saddle

[@amycarter1331]

In all seriousness in the first minute of this video I notice this horse has no respect for this girl's personal space. Speaks volumes.

[@jeannagibson5799]

I have a 3 year old mare that is stubborn she likes to bite and she likes to invade my space when I go to lunge her what do I do?

[@elizacozart2059]

What should I do when my horse is out on the trail alone and refuses to walk forward…if I turn his head that’s what he wants so he can just turn around…any tips?! He is getting dangerous and not sure what to do

[@Emmaandstar]

I have a hige problem with my horse star. She wont work at all i cant even get on her. When i manage to, she will just stand still and i cant get her to move. I really dont know what to do

[@chicadebarrio4869]

My horse does this on the ground softly but he won't under saddle, he barges thru the reins and won't turn his head. What can I do?

[@Bella-yq4xr]

Heyyy I was wondering what barn your at because it looks similar to my barn Ticker is adorable

[@salomeabugaian5969]

Thanks a lot!

[@Horsegirl-pw1ks]

Omg this helped so much

[@baguettewhet1290]

Tucker looks so bored, just a "Mooomm! Are we done yeeeet?" moment

[@goose6011]

Hey I ride a horse that is quit stubborn, but as I’ve worked with her she’s allot better listening to everything I say, except for a few things like she won’t trot unless I have a crop in my hand. She also bobs her head up and down for no reason and the worst one is she won’t go away from any horse without being crazy every time I ride without other people she gets mad and really flustered. We’ve tried everything we even put her in a separate area without any horse for a month and nothing changed 🤷‍♀️ idk what to do. I ride in group lessons so it’s not a huge problem but a little annoying….. maybe she’s just Crazy 🤷‍♀️🤣

[@spiridoulaathanasopoulou9244]

watch Rick Gore, think like a horse....

[@andreabyrne6527]

Please don't watch Rick Gore, someone who I really admire for his incredible understanding and gentleness would be Warwick schiller. He has heaps of vids old and new... you may be able to find some interesting tactics to help you with your horse.

[@littleredpanda1666]

I have not tested it out yet, but my horse won't lead, I'm gonna try this, problem is, he is always trying to eat the lead rope, so instead of walking he trys to bite it and avoids all the pressure. What do I do?

[@amandak4258]

Hi! What kind of bit do you use? Thanks🤗

[@jennifergunson9523]

Can you do a video on how to teach your horse not to try to graze while riding

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

How about treats? Horses are more willing if they are GETTING something out of training too. Grab a clicker and get to work.

[@Running_R_Ranch-xi6cg]

But won't weaving the horses head while in the saddle confuse the horse?

[@Kennedy36789]

she is so amazing 😄😄😄😄😄

[@sarahknight7500]

please if I could get some help- I'm having the worst luck with my ottb. I've had him six months and he's the most stubborn horse I've ever been around. the last few days he won't walk forward, so I zig zag him and get him to take a few steps then he stops. i give him as much rein as possible and he won't budge. If he does move forward, then he does the same with trot. if I click or nudge him he immediately plants his feet every time. I get off and lunge him and he listens, he trots fine and he's not lame. if I get back on he immediately does the same thing. he's had all the same tack for the six months I've had him, and I am approaching my wits end. I'm literally ridiculously emotional about it. I've had this happen with him one other time and I got a jumping crop to tap my leg with when riding and that worked for a bit, I rarely ever tapped him with it because he listened with it against my leg. only when he was being pretty naughty did I lightly tap his shoulders. he's ten, literally TEN and pulling this and I really can't figure out what to do. I don't want to use spurs or crops but I don't know if i have to at this point. please any recommendations xx

[@juliagruba9666]

I love this

[@Rosie_eq]

Yeah yesterday I was taking my horse into the cross ties and she dead stoped so I started to move her head to the left trying to make be forced to walk forward nothing was working. So I tried to do a little circle she moved then dead stopped again so I pushed her forward with the lead roper she moved but she kind of started to drag me I was on my feet but with all the force I couldn’t walk after like two or three meters of walking away from the cross ties I stopped her. I turned around to try and go in again she stoped again my mum didn’t have a lung whip so she just clapped her hand close to boca my pony’s hind end and I lightly pulled forward with the lead rope and she finally went in. 😂

[@lilyoliva69]

My horse iz good most of the time and the only reason he stops is because he has bad depth reception so any dark spots on the ground look like a hole to him, and he doesn't want to fall in the "hole".

[@Thatholygal]

I have this problem with my lesson horse EVERY WEEK and I know alot of horses are stubborn like this: he is sleeping normally so I don't punish him for not moving straight away,as he's just waking up but he's quite stubborn and usually it takes turning his head to his stomach and asking him to go forward with my legs,seat and crop at the same time to get him to move 😂He's a little sweetheart and he trys so hard ( when he's not sleeping) and thanks to you he'll get quicker at responding to me !!!

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

Being a lesson horse is a WHOLE different ballgame. He's probably just slightly sour and asking "Do I have to"

[@ljo0605]

Yeah, riding school horses can be bad for being pushy/ lazy. They have to put up with a lot and sort of switch off from the rider. Some are just spoilt and know they can get away with things

[@New2it_1818]

can you please make a video about how to train a horse not to buck

[@lakacmacak8037]

What breed of horse is Tucker? He is so cute by the way!!

[@arribaficationwineho32]

Appaloosa

[@KhalidHassan-if7ri]

Hi

[@Lee11208]

My horse try’s to take the reins out of my hands and bites me when I take a hoof pic and try to use it.

[@arribaficationwineho32]

Can you use cross ties?

[@Lee11208]

@@arribaficationwineho32 I used crossties back then but she still found a way.

[@jenmiller5303]

If q horse is rambunctious where would you sell the horse too? Like ex race horse? Also great video, Everybody subscribe!♡

[@Brandon-kk7yt]

A horse is never stubborn!

[@Riding.Da.Ponies]

They could be, horses have bad days just like us

[@haleyosborn8575]

Aren’t you Tucker’s buddy

[@harishkashyap8710]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@RaniTanny]

Stubborn horses? This is such an antiquated thinking. Horses are NOT stubborn- if horse does not do what human wants it the humans' incompetence. A horse often does not go Forward because they are IMBALANCED! Adding more pressure does NOT FIX ANYTHING! why would you want to 8mbalance a horse even more? Please get educated on How a horse moves!!

[@MintChip421]

Can you please please help us teach our horse to high five?

[@spiridoulaathanasopoulou9244]

Stubborn rider. Nothing else 😊

[@spiridoulaathanasopoulou9244]

equine racism.

[@zequestrian1502]

Am I first?

[@jenmiller5303]

No

[@zequestrian1502]

@@jenmiller5303 dang