There is a dangerous problem that horse owners should be very aware of. It's when a horse stands up on his back legs. It's called "rearing." This problem can be quite dangerous and cause severe injuries to the rider and/or horse.
Rearing is perhaps a horse's most effective defense against the rider. It is dangerous in that the horse can fall over backward onto its rider. Because of a horse's enormous weight this can cripple and even kill the rider. Thus, it is good to know why, if possible, a horse rears. But even more importantly, how to stop it.
If your horse ever does rear with you on him, there isn't much you can do. If he rears suddenly, he could lose his balance and fall or he could rear so explosively that he can throw himself back to the ground with the rider under him. If you're on him while this is happening and you use the reins to pull on to keep from falling, you're likely to pull the horse over.
Although it's not one hundred percent infallible, the best way to protect yourself when a horse rears with you is to lean forward immediately and put your hands forward so you have loose reins. If you have to, you could even put your arms around his neck, let go of the reins and slide off. For my money, there aren't any other safer ways to deal with a horse if he suddenly rears.
Why do horses rear? There are several reasons why. Here are some examples.
I've read where a rider was on an obedient horse while trail riding. They came upon cows and it scared the horse because the horse was not used to cows. The rider tried to get the horse to go toward the cows to get it to learn that cows are not spooky. The horse obeyed and went forward but finally became so frightened that it reared up, lost balance, and fell on its rider. The rider suffered numerous broken bones.
The rider later understood the horse felt trapped. The horse obediently went forward even though it was frightened. As it got closer, fear overpowered the horse and it had nowhere to go but up.
Some horses rear because as colts they were too young to be ridden. Another reason rearing happens is because training may confuse the horse. The horse may be asked to do too much at one time and not know what to do.
Sometimes a horse will rear if it is forced to yield to the bit. Other horses may rear if you try to get them to put out more energy than they can. On the opposite end, some horses may rear because they want to go and you don't let them.
So how do you stop a horse from rearing?
First, let's take a look at the anatomy of a horse while it rears. A horse cannot rear while running. A horse must stop (or be barely moving) to be able to rear. If a rider has had enough experience on a horse he can feel when the horse gets light in the front. In a way, it would be a bit like sitting in the middle of a teeter-totter where you can feel one side getting light.
So, if a horse has to stop to rear up then it makes sense to keep the horse moving so it cannot rear up. Thus, if you feel your horse getting light in the front then you move him forward and do it with meaning. Not just a patient "cluck" from your mouth. Do it like you mean it. And it's also important he has a place to go forward ? don't have him blocked in by anything.
If your horse rears up and you weren't ready for it then lean forward and give your horse loose reins. As soon as your horse's feet are almost back to the ground then make your horse go forward. Let the horse know, with no doubt whatsoever, to go forward. Boot the horse "hard" into going forward. When your horse has gone forward a little ways then double him and drive him forward out of the double. Then double him the other way and drive him forward from it also. Then bring your horse to a stop.
What does it mean to "double" your horse? Essentially, you will pull his head back one way towards his hind quarters. The moment he is committed to the turn then boot him forward. This impresses upon your horses mind that you can control him.
Other so-called "schools of thought" to stop rearing are to hit a horse over the head with a two-by-four when he rears up. I've even read where people break beer bottles over the horse's head. Some people use the handle end of a riding crop. Not only are these inhumane ways to stop rearing, they are rarely, if ever, effective. They don't teach a horse anything except to fear the rider. Hitting a horse over the head when you are trying to build a trust relationship will destroy all you've worked for.
As is almost always the case, the best way to get a horse to do what you want is to use psychology of the horse. Get him to move and you can accomplish miracles.
About The Author
Andy Curry is a nationally known horse trainer and author of several best selling horse training and horse care books. For information visit his website at www.horsetrainingandtips.com. He is also the leading expert on Jesse Beery's horse training methods which can be seen at www.horsetrainingandtips.com.
disinfecting cleaning services Arlington Heights ..Having a cat allergy came as something of a surprise... Read More
Hopefully no one is pulling the leash. The ideal situation... Read More
The Story Continues... Following the first of many visits to... Read More
The information in this article is based on the successful... Read More
Ever since the beginning of time there has always been... Read More
Buy or Adopt - That is the question.If you intend... Read More
If you are thinking of adding a feline to your... Read More
Top five dog breeds for homes with children* Beagle *... Read More
You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let's take a look... Read More
... Read More
Whether purely for looks or for a bird's home, bird... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More
Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More
A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More
At some time or another even the sweetest cat "misbehaves."... Read More
Dog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs... Read More
Reading a pet food label, how difficult can it be?... Read More
Maintaining your fish bowl can be difficult sometimes. However, your... Read More
Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more... Read More
Continued from part two.Epilepsy/seizure disorderWhen your Boxer is between 2... Read More
What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More
My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More
Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs.... Read More
Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More
bathroom cleaning service Mundelein ..Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More
Twenty-six percent of the dogs at the six Los Angeles... Read More
So, you've got yourself a pregnant cat.Was it a stray... Read More
"Westies" or West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs,... Read More
Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that... Read More
Training a dog is a fairly difficult task. Some find... Read More
Every month I am approached by dog owners of my... Read More
Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More
Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and... Read More
Boxer dogs are an all around great breed, especially skilled... Read More
Boy or Girl?How can you tell whether your Goldfish is... Read More
Beautiful as they are, Boston Terriers have some genetic traits... Read More
Every day, people by the millions pour food from a... Read More
I get a lot of horse training questions about stopping... Read More
Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More
Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
Here's a simple way... to help your horse learn twice... Read More
Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort,... Read More
Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More
Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More
Weaning puppies is a perfectly natural process. Mamma dogs have... Read More
You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More
Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience with... Read More
Herbology, basically, is the use of herbs in the treatment... Read More
Pet |