How to Make a Stubborn or Lazy Horse Go Forward

The first temptation is to add an "artificial aid"—which is a fancy term for whips and spurs. Spurs should never be worn by riders who do not have the experience and muscular control to keep a quiet and steady lower leg. If your leg is bouncing around، then the horse will be confused at best and injured at worst.

A crop or quirt، however، is reasonable. I've personally used both a dressage whip and an over-under (an extended-length quirt) on stubborn horses at different times. There's nothing wrong with a crop as long as it is used correctly.

• First of all، give the horse a chance to respond to the normal، light aids—just a squeeze. If that doesn't work right away، then dig both heels into their sides.
• Make sure to always use both legs or some horses will take that as an excuse to go sideways instead of forward. Move your hands forward slightly to be sure you are giving with the reins.
• If the horse ignores the heels، then tap it once with the crop or quirt. A quirt (a length of braided rope) is normally used on the shoulder.
• A crop should always be used behind the inside leg (either leg works if on the trail) unless the guide or instructor specifically tells you to use it on the shoulder (some horses will buck if tapped behind the leg).

• Tap them once، then squeeze again. Never hit، strike، or beat a horse; it's cruel and counterproductive. Just use one tape، then a reminder of "Yes، I want you to go forward."
• If a horse is just testing you، then using the crop correctly once may be enough for the entire ride. For that matter، some horses will stop being lazy just because you are carrying a crop. They aren't stupid.

Avoid taking your entire leg off the horse to kick them. While this can be effective، it places you in an insecure position if the horse shoots forward or bucks، and it's kinder to use a crop once than kick repeatedly.

Yes، I know barrel racers do this all the time، but everyone's equitation gets worse when gaming، including mine.