Youngish horse...

[Victorya]

Hi, I have recently inherited a 7yr old cob,who has basically spent his life as a 'grass ornament' (owners description, not mine!!). He has mastered lunging and goes very well, however, as soon as there's a rider on him, he just can't seem to grasp moving forward. Trying to avoid reinforcing the leg with a whip but so far under saddle lunging, person walking in front and voice have all failed miserably!! Any advice? Please and thank you!

 

[carthorse]

Best advice I can give Is to send him to a professional who backs and schools, getting these basics right is key to everything else.

 

[newforest]

Agree with the above.
It sounds as if he hasn't grasped the voice on the lunge either?
Does he respond to the voice without the rider?

 

[Frances144]

Does he follow other horses?

We tend to train our horses by using a sensible role-model to follow. That can really help. In the school and outside too. They can learn alot from other horses.