How to Make a Stubborn or Lazy Horse Go Forward
Other things that can cause a horse to be lazy are heavy hands or being too heavy for the animal. Most reputable stables will not mount you on a horse you are too big for، but not all stables are reputable. A lot of the time، horses will be lazier or more stubborn with riders they don't know or suspect of not knowing what they are doing.
What Do You Do If Your Horse Is Lazy?
Assuming that you've checked your leg position and hand position، and assuming that the horse isn't refusing to go forward for some good reason?
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.
How to Use a Crop 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.
