Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

Cowgirl asked in PetsHorses · 9 years ago

My horse is acting up! Need help!!?

Alright so I've got a mare that I've had for the majority of her life. She is broke to ride. I havent been able to ride her or work her much lately because I have been so busy. Basically she is extremely hard to catch in the field. When I'm leading her she jerks and tries to pull away. I do always use a bit when I'm leading her or lunging or riding because she acts up so much. I am using a curb bit with a copper roller. Is this the right bit? She still acts up even if I'm using the bit.

4 Answers

Relevance
  • 9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    The problem probably isn't because she just woke up one day and decided to be naughty, horses don't do that. If riding, leading, or work is unpleasant she's going to try to avoid that. So perhaps instead of leading her with a bit in her mouth, just lead her with a regular halter and some good old fashioned bribery (a.k.a. carrots and other pony cookies). They're a lot more willing to run up to you if every time they do they get a carrot instead of a big bit. Try a softer bit and lighter hands. Make work pleasant. Go back to step one and redo your basics, sometimes we all need refreshers, especially horses that have been on vacation. NEVER leave the lead rope on a horse in the field, that's just asking for broken legs. If she wants to pull keep her mind busy, do lots of patterns and constantly switch things up so she doesn't have time to think about being naughty. Make her THINK. Please try a softer bit, something in the snaffle variety instead of the curb genre. Good luck!

  • donald
    Lv 6
    9 years ago

    I had to look up "curb bit with roller" and it looks like an awful lot of bit. 1st I would have her teeth checked. 2nd, use as suggested a ring bit, which I think would be less punishing that the bit that came up on google. Think about this. There is something more going on between her ears than just acting up if she doesn't want to be caught or brought in from the field.

  • 9 years ago

    Leave the lead rope on in the field so easier to catch until she stops being a cow.

    Try a ring bit? (the one they use on racehorses and stallions, goes over the halter for more control)

    Does she act up when your riding her? whats her mouth like?

  • Anonymous
    9 years ago

    try and use a dutch gag bit its very powerful in the mouth and its made for controlling strong horses but if shes pulling you when your ride try and uses a hackamore its a bridle without a bit you use it when a horse is pulling you while riding .

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.