Horse Training: Horse Lags Behind

After the horse is going forward well, practice without the whip. Do this from both sides. If the horse doesn't go forward with a light tap, use a little firmer tap. Don't whack it though, this will only scare it. Reward it for ANY forward motion, no matter how small. I believe in treats for difficult horses, I am sure some would disagree, but I find it can cause a horse to really warm up to you if you have a tidbit of carrot or other favorite food in hand. This works very well with abused horses. Gaining trust is the FIRST step when dealing with an animal that has learned only pain from humans.

What you will do when your horse lags behind is lead it as you normally do. But, have the whip in your left hand. The whip should be pointed back behind you. As you are leading the horse, just when it starts to slow down, tap it gently on it's left hip or it's side s close to the hip as possible. Be careful you don't hit it in the flanks or legs. This will feel awkward at first. Take your time. You don't have to whack the horse.

If your horse becomes frightened, then you need to stop and review the lesson above. Your horse should not be afraid, perhaps you hit it in the flanks, which is a very sensitive area. If you are having a hard time feeling comfortable using the whip in this way, practice first without your horse. Stand with a wall to your right and try tapping the wall at the same height your horse's hip would be. When you are good at it, try again with your horse. I do not recommend using the end of the lead rope for this. It is too flexible, often hitting the horse in the wrong place. Also, you may jerk the horse's head giving a mixed cue.

It is important that you praise the horse. The first few times you do this exercise you should praise the horse after it moves into the correct position. After that, just use verbal praise. If at any time the horse regresses, go back and review.

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