Paso Fino hesitant to move forward

[epernay]

Husband has a 5 year old Paso Fino (recently gelded in June) that is now being ridden outside of the arena/early in training. He frequently exhibits behavior of being very hesitant to move forward, stepping backwards for several feet when outside of the arena. When in the arena he is extremely attentive and moves forward without difficulty, either when being ridden or lunged.

Use of a riding crop gently on the hindquarters is usually not very effective in getting him to move forward. Also attempting to turn him usually doesn't work. He is being ridden in a gentle level one Myler bit. No teeth problems identified by the Vet. This horse has much "brio", which is the term used in the Paso Fino world for exhuberance/presence. In other words, high strung?

Is it just that he is young and insecure outside of the arena? We have been working slowly with him and taking multiple shorter rides outside of the arena in order to have success. We live in an extremely rural area and do not have the ability to use a trainer. Anyone have some strategies for us to work on in and out of the arena?

Thank you

[T-bred]

It sounds like he is not comfortable outside of the arena. I would try leading him around outside with a lead rope instead and see what he does. We have 2 paso finos here. My mom has an 8 year old gelding and my dad has a 12 year old stallion by Plebeyo.

Anna

[Harry Hobbes]

Is it just that he is young and insecure outside of the arena? Probably. This is normal for young horses (and some older ones that never leave the stables.)

Apparently, he's acclimated to the arena; now, he needs to acclimate (and gain confidence) outside the arena. So, I'd train outside of the arena.

The short trips out are the right thing to do, extending the trip each time.

However, I'd be training on exercises while on those trips away from the arena; exercises that he does well in the arena; such as walking circles (around objects), figure 8's (around objects), half-pass (by objects), etc. This gives him some work to focus upon, with exercises that he knows well. Keep doing this, and he'll manage his fear, gain confidence.

Best regards,
Harry

[epernay]

Thank you for the responses. We are lucky that we live in an area that is covered in Sagebrush here in the high desert area of Northern New Mexico. Our horses have to maneuver continuously around and in between the sage, there are no wide open fields. Excellent idea to work him in different patterns when we are out of the arena and in the sagebrush.

Carmin is a lovely horse, but we have to be careful as to how hard we push him or he becomes tense and reactive. Since his gelding in June, he appears to be softening somewhat, much less reactive. Each ride seems to get better as far as his tension level goes. I ride my gelding with him who is only 4yrs old and his half brother. He is very sensitive and loves to follow Carmin which seems to be making the rides better.

My husband and I remind ourselves how far we have come this summer when we could not even saddle Carmin and Shorty. Building a relationship with the horses takes lots of time, patience and love. I am an intuitive person, so I have been moving along with their training based on what I have observed and my feelings. To balance that I have read many books and watched videos, and questioned those that I know have trained. Some good advice and encouragement along the way is so helpful!!!!

[T-bred]

Some good advice and encouragement along the way is so helpful!!!!

I agree. My dad has trained pasos for 20 years and although I have two thoroughbreds and a swedish warmblood it is still good to know that he is around to help!!!