Keep A Balking Horse Moving Forward

    
Keep A Balking Horse Moving Forward
A balking horse is one that refuses to move forward in response to normal cues– usually because you’re asking him to go somewhere he doesn’t want to go. Barring legitimate reasons for the horse not to go forward, like asking him to step over a rattle snake, the horse has become willfully disobedient and you must correct him immediately. Cue him to move forward by reaching your hands up towards his ears, letting your weight come forward and your legs to stretch back and close in his sides. Be sure to exaggerate reaching forward so your horse is very clear of your intentions; often I see people pulling back on the reins when trying to cue the horse forward. When he’s looking for an excuse not to go forward, even the slightest contact on the reins will give him an excuse to move anywhere but forward.