Stubborn horse...

[angel_16]

I would like any advice that you have on how to make a stubborn horse want to go for you. I am a fairly new rider, and the horse I ride is one of two riding horses at a heritage park. He is used by about 4 or 5 different people, including me, throughout a regular week. He is fine when i am driving him, but refuses to leave the stable area when i am on his back. i think this may be because he has been allowed to get away with it before when other people are riding. I would really appreciate any tips you may have for me concerning this problem. thanks! ANGEL 0:)

[Jude]

Evening Angel, I'm sorry, I don't have any magic answers as I have a Mare who goes out fine but naps at some point on most rides whether going away from or towards home. All I can do is school her and hope it gets better, but I know how you feel and if you ever need a " why do I ride this horse" type conversation feel free to give me a shout!!!
Good Luck, speak to you soon, Jude

[hlstarmie]

I used to have this battle with my pony on a regular basis but with lots of encouragement and patience he has now learnt that regardless of what he does hes going out whether he likes it or not! You have to be firm dont let him turn around at all, keep his face pointing in the direction that you want to go and keep using your legs. If he sidesteps, walks backwards or threatons to rear tell him off and keep his head forwards. If he does go forwards lots of praise and a pat.
If you want you can try another tactic that has also worked on my pony and that is if he walks backwards make him keep going backwards at least 4 or 5 steps then ask for forwards. He will then learn that forwards is better than backwards as it is easier.
All this takes lots of time and you have to keep repeating yourself but he will learn that you wont stand for it.
Good luck