I'm really struggling to get my horse to lunge. He is really nervous of the ropes and whip. He just panic and runs and gets really tense and stressed out. Iv long lined him in walk but as soon as I move to the side and he sees the lines the same thing happens. He's had tack on, iv sat on him and been lead round just in a head collar and hes been amazing. He's accepted the bit and he's really relax even when I move about on his back. I was wondering, do you think I could just back him without lunging? He has breaks from walking and halting long reining, and I'm confident I could get on and walk and halt with someone leading me. Do you think I could do it this way? Why/why not? Thanks in advance!
Trainer0KidzNponies2012-07-05T13:01:08Z
Favorite Answer
Nope! Don't try and back him without teaching him the things from the ground first. You'll get on, have no control when he sees the rein and get popped right off. A good session doesn't mean letting your expectations exceed him. He needs to get over his fear because ropes are always going to be a part of his life.
Luckily, the solution is so simple he could probably get this nervous out of him in a few days to a few weeks tops.
You'll need a round pen or very small enclosed area. of 30'-60'.
You'll have to desensitize him to the rope. If he is safe up close, take the rope and rub him. Both sides. over and over until he stops squirming. Immediately stop rubbing when he stands still or relaxes. This processes needs repeating 50+ times on each side before you will see significant results.
Next get that rope use to going over his back, whipping around his head, etc. In the same fashion as above.
Once he doesn't care about the rope, you can use the lunge to teach again. I prefer having voice commands on the horse prior to the first ride. Also, having him ground driving so he has excellent brakes, back up, right and left.
He needs to learn this simple or safety and to make his life easier in the long run. It's worth the time and effort. If he doesn't have all his ques on the ground, he won't in the saddle or he will try and guess and most likely panic. The lunge is just an assurance for you.
If he panics at the sight of lines and a whip, he is likely to panic at the sight (not to mention feel) of a rider on his back. You need to gain his confidence or you have a recipe for disaster. You really need to consult an experienced trainer in your area to help you both learn to get past this.
ive been in your situation before .. it realy depends on ther horse if he i resinably quite then just get up on hime buh if not dont .. try loose lunging him :)