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My horse is hard to control?
I am riding a new horse named Penny and she is very sensitive. I barely have to pull on her reins to steer her or stop her. When I pull to hard she tosses her head. But, when I try to steer her she doesn't turn so I have to pull a little harder, then when I pull harder she tosses her head. I can't get to the point where I can turn her. I can usually turn her when we are walking but only then. She keeps her head like right behind another horse's butt. I ride in group lessons and she is faster than the other horse's but since she won't turn, I can't get her head out of other horse's butts! lol. Any tips?
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Want to answer more questions in the Domesticity category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Pets?
I think you need to get closer to your horse. She's new I am pretty sure it will work out. Just be closer to her, practice more, make her feel at home. Give her treats i am pretty sure it will work
GOOD LUCK!!!!!
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Normally, when I see someone ask a question about horseback riding, I tell them that I'm sorry but it's impossible to tell what is wrong without being able to see you in your horse.
However, in your case, it's almost definitely this:
Get off your hands and stop tugging on her face.
Turning your horse starts in your legs and seat. Your goal should be to turn without ever moving your hands. Only if those messages aren't clear should the reins ever be used to turn. Even then, there should never be 'pulling' involved. Pulsing gentle tugs, on your direct rein is more effective than pulling.
Watch professional riders – not western movies – professional riders. They almost never move their hands, because they don’t have too. They are communicating through their body, legs and their seat. The reins are the very last thing that comes into play when turning or controlling the speed.
If Penny does have a sensitive mouth, then pulling her reins will only annoy her, and if you aren't asking for a turn correctly with your legs and body - it will also confuse her. She'll speed up even more trying to 'evade' you tugging on her face. Pulling her reins will not slow her down if she has a naturally face pace. Sink your weight into your seat and heels and use the reins to maintain contact – not pulling. Don't pull when she speeds up. Keep her slow with consistent contact and clear messages from the rest of your body.
Maybe you need to invest in a private class or two to take the next step as a rider, but what you are describing is almost definitely the result of you relying far too heavily on the reins. You need to improve your seat and your body position. No horse likes to have their head jerked through the bit each time they need to make a turn. Most horses will speed up, or start acting out, if you do that.
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