Instructions
Determine if the horse is in pain or if it expects pain when completing routine activities. For instance, notice if the horse seems to flinch or hesitate when you try to gallop or jump. Learn the horse's history to determine if it has a history of accident or injury. Sometimes, a horse recalls past injuries and resists activities that it thinks will trigger pain or discomfort. Pinpoint the situations or scenarios that cause problems.
Consult a veterinarian if you suspect that the horse may have a condition or sickness that may be contributing to problems. Health problems, such as anxiety, malnutrition or muscular disorder, may cause the horse to resist training efforts and misbehave.
Give the horse adequate exercise daily beyond training. Walk or run the horse in the morning and the afternoon, according to your veterinarian's or trainer's instructions. That way, the horse will be too tired to resist training efforts. It may be more likely to comply with a harness and saddle and with your orders.
Approach and mount the horse slowly and gently, showing the horse that you are not a threat. Talk to the horse in a soft, calm voice. Pat its head and stroke its mane to show affection. Praise the horse for performing well.
Visit the horse daily, even on days that you do not train, so that you become a familiar presence. Develop the horse's trust in you and other handlers with frequent interaction.
How to Deal With Problem Horses
If you own or train horses, you may confront a horse with behavioral problems. For instance, the horse may be very unruly and resist all training efforts. Behavioral problems can be caused by hereditary factors as well as by inadequate or improper training and development. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with problem horses and to correct behavior, even in the most resistant animals.