Horse Training Success

This is how dangerous rearing is (very lucky escape):



Whether you are working a seasoned horse or training a young colt who's confused about what you want from him, there may come a time when that horse suddenly rears up, and learning how to handle the situation before it happens is a lot better than figuring it out as you go.

Horses can rear for a number of reasons, but fear is usually the greatest trigger. A horse's natural instinct is to run away from danger, and seeing anything he doesn't know can make him feel apprehensive. If he's frightened enough and feels like he's trapped, rearing becomes a real possibility.

Pain may also cause rearing in some instances. An ill fitting bit may cause pain when you pull on the reins, causing your horse to instinctively pull up and back to relieve the pressure.

And then sometimes a horse's rearing is simply a test to see which one of you has the dominant position in the relationship.

Whatever the reason for your horse's rearing, it's important to realize you are in an extremely dangerous situation, and knowing how to react properly can save you an injury, and possibly save your life. Your reaction will depend on whether your horse rears while you are leading him from the ground or riding him.

What To Do If Your Horse Rears While Being Led

Rule number one; get away from his front to avoid those kicking hooves. It is far safer to get behind his shoulders and out of striking range. Resist trying to pull him back down with the reins. Your horse will only see this as an attack on his head and pull up in the opposite direction to try to escape.

Unfortunately, this video demonstrates the handler tugging at the horse from in front, with the horse struggling backwards and nearly falling over as a result:

Use a calm voice to try to regain his attention and get him to focus on you. As soon as his front legs are on the ground ask him to go forward. A horse that is moving doesn't have the physical capability to rear, so if you can distract him and get him moving again, the episode may be over.

What To Do If Your Horse Rears While You're Riding Him

The very first thing to do when you are on the back of a rearing horse is to lean forward, let the reins go slack and hang on to the horse's neck or mane. This is not as easy as it may sound, because your natural instinct is going to be grabbing on tighter to the reins already in your hands. However, if you pull back tighter on a horse that is already rearing you are likely to succeed in pulling all the way back over for a fall. Considering your horse weighs about ten times more than you, you would be at serious risk for being crushed.

Here is an example of the threat of rearing escalating into a full rear when the rider holds the reins tight:

The minute your horse's front legs hit the ground, give him a strong cue to move forward, both vocal and with a kick. If you can get him moving he can't rear again, and your next step is regaining control. As soon as he takes a few steps forward, cue him to turn left and force him to go forwards a few feet, then cue him to turn back to the right and go forward again. In this way you are showing your horse that you are the one in control, and by getting his attention back on you with familiar commands, he should calm down quickly for you. Be sure to praise him for responding to your commands and end the session on a positive note.

This gal does a decent job of getting her horse moving as soon as she comes down.

Being prepared to deal with a rearing horse before it ever happens to you is the best to save you and your horse from potential injury.

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Labels: horse, horse training, rear, rearing, rearing horse