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I don't understand why Dakota's doing this. He's never done it much before, but it started on Tuesday. I was riding around the arena and he was yanking on the bit. Well, I didn't think much of it really, because I thought he just did that for no reason, and it wasn't hurting much, so I ignored it. Then he just stopped at the gate. Well, I led him off and he went, but then eventually I couldn't get him to move away from it and I was starting to get scared that he'd rear up or buck, so I decided to just stop for the day, thinking that it might have been because it was later than we usually ride. Well, he did it again today. This time I only got him to walk around the arena once and do one figure eight. I don't get what I'm doing wrong, he's never done this before.

Well, I never really learned how to guide a horse with my legs, and he's mainly been trained as a trail horse, so I don't know if he'll know what it means. It's not that I don't want to learn it, it's just that I've never really needed it before. I did it all with the reins and my voice. I tried to make him go past the gate, and it all looked good, but last night he started cantering and when he reached the cone he did a really tight circle and went straight back, almost making me fall off. I'm just afraid that he'll rear up on me like he did my cousin. eek He almost fell right on top of her. And when I tried to lead him away, he just turned in a circle. I made him stand when we opened the gate, but he kept fighting against me.

sweatdrop That's the cue I use to get him to canter and take his leads. It doesn't always work, but hey, that's a different problem. xp One thing at a time. I got my teacher to ride him, and she said to ride him in tight circles if he does it, so he realizes that it's easier just to be good. I think I'll try that and try some of what you said too. smile You don't sound mean. Thanks for helping.

Every time you let him stop by the gate and then get off, he is learning that you will get off every time he stops by the gate. Try not to let him stop & do not get off until you want to get off. You are the rider, you are in control.

Dakota is a lot better now. smile He tries to stop every once and a while, but I work him in quick figure eights near the gate when he does. I just get his feet moving and then the next time we come around he doesn't stop. I taught him to sidepass too. He's like a whole different horse than he was last summer. Not that he doesn't have his -ahem- days... rolleyes But he's a lot better. Thanks for all your help!

I'm glad you're doing better with him. It isn't often that we find the happy ending to these types of stories. biggrin It sounds like you're becoming a dandy rider.