How to Keep a Horse From Balking

A horse that balks is refusing to move forward. A horse may balk because it's lazy, tired, ill-mannered or stubborn, or in discomfort or pain. Fear and hesitation due to uncertainty are common causes of balking behavior. Build confidence in your horse so that it trusts you as its leader by maintaining a calm, assertive, kind and patient demeanor. That will create an atmosphere of trust between you and your horse. Learning to properly correct a balking horse by encouraging it to move forward ensures it won't become aggressive or dangerous.

Things You'll Need

  • Riding crop
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect your horse's tack and ensure it fits properly. Check the cinch to ensure it's not too tight and examine your horse's mouth to see if the bit is causing pain.

    • 2

      Request a physical examination by your veterinarian. Rule out any underlying physical cause, such as a sore joint or hoof disease, that may be producing pain.

    • 3

      Alter your routine so that your horse learns to wait for your command before stopping. If you consistently dismount in a specific area, such as near a gate, your horse may make a habit of stopping without waiting for your cue.

    • 4

      Decrease rein tension. Any amount of pull on the reins inhibits forward motion because it's a conflicting signal. The slightest tension will give an unwilling horse an excuse not to move forward and reinforce the behavior.

    • 5

      Turn your horse's head to the left or right so that it walks in a tight circle; then attempt to move the horse forward again.

    • 6

      Compel your horse to move backward; then encourage it to move forward after taking several steps.

    • 7

      Repeat the circle and backward movement until the horse obeys your commands and stops balking. It will learn it's more work to refuse than to move forward on your cue.

    • 8

      Remove tension in the reins by reaching your hands up and toward the horse's ears and increasing leg pressure to encourage it to move forward. Release the pressure when the horse begins to walk on.

    • 9

      Use escalating aids by maintaining no rein tension, gradually increasing leg pressure and moving your hips back and forth quickly to encourage the horse's movement. That forward motion is the key foundation to "opening the door" and persuading your horse to walk on.

    • 10

      Hold the riding crop while reaching your hands forward toward the horse's ears, shift your weight forward in the saddle and gently bump the horse with your calves.

    • 11

      Use the riding crop with your leg aid as reinforcement if your horse continues to refuse to move. As you reach your hands forward and encourage movement with your leg cue, gently slap the horse with the crop directly next to your leg. Ensure you don't pull back on the reins and you maintain even and consistent pressure until your horse earns the proper release.