Communication with horses is a must if you want a horse to move forward.Most horses will move willingly if you give them clear directions.If you have a horse that is stubborn, you may need to use creative solutions to get it to move.
Step 1: Pull on the reins to get the horse's attention.
Light tension is put on the horse's mouth by using the reins.The light pulling will get the horse to pay attention.Release your tension on the reins once you have the horse's attention in order to reinforce other signals.
Step 2: The horse should go forward if you grip it with your legs.
The signal that a horse should move forward is when you squeeze it with your legs.This movement will be responded to by a well-trained horse.Make sure you keep your legs straight and squeeze with your calves when you squeeze the horse.If you ride Western style, you can lift the reins up and forward to the horse's head.The hug with the legs should be positive and quick.
Step 3: In the saddle, push your hips forward.
You may need to give the horse some mental inertia by rocking forward in the saddle as you give it other signals to move forward.The horse will start moving if you move forward in your seat.Push your hips down and forward to make sure this motion is completed.The horse can't feel those movements in your upper body.
Step 4: The horse should go forward if a verbal cue is given.
It is possible to let a horse know it's time to move with sound.A short clicking or kissing noise will let the horse know it's time to get going.Repeatedly making this sound can get your horse to go into trot or canter.The horse should start off slowly.You can give short words such as "go" or "move."Most horse riders use a short click or kissing noise.
Step 5: Give commands that are clear.
There should be no barriers that keep the horse from moving forward.Are you pulling the reins back or leaning back?Make sure you don't send confusing signals to the horse by assessing your body language.While instructing the horse to go forward, don't push backwards with your saddle.If you are leaning forward with your shoulders, this can happen.Horses are sensitive and can tell where you're going.The horse can read your body position if you keep your focus on where you want to go.
Step 6: Attach a leader to your horse.
If you want to move a horse forward while on the ground, you should have a halter on it and a leader or reins attached to it.This will allow you to communicate with the animal and give you proper control.Put the reins below the horse's head if you are using them to direct the animal.Communication through tugs will be difficult if they are kept behind the horse's head, and you will have a harder time holding onto the animal if it tries to bolt.
Step 7: The leader should be held or reins held firmly.
It's important to hold onto the animal tightly as the leader and reins are used to communicate with the horse and the way you can keep a hold of it.Do not wrap the leader around your hand.If the horse tries to run off, it can lead to serious injury to your hand.
Step 8: If you want it to go in a certain direction, tug the reins.
The horse knows that you want it to move.You shouldn't have to pull with all of your might.The tugging is a cue for the horse.A horse should start moving with a gentle tug.
Step 9: Release pressure when the horse is moving.
When the horse responds to a cue, it's important to stop tugging on the leader or reins.It may be confusing for the horse if you don't.The horse knows that your desired action hasn't been completed.
Step 10: Speak to the horse.
As you cue the horse with the leader or reins, you should also use verbal signals to reinforce the movement you want it to do.This can be the same verbal cue you use when riding the horse, as it becomes a universal cue for forward movement.The words "go" or "forward" could be used in a verbal cue.A short clicking noise can be used to tell a horse that you want it to move.If you are moving your own horse, you may have a special noise you use.
Step 11: The horse's health should be checked.
The horse being in pain may be the cause of resistance to moving forward.When the horse steps, it will decide to avoid that movement whenever possible.You should do a thorough assessment of its health.Your vet can look over the horse as well.Problems with hooves or leg muscles can make a horse resistant to moving.
Step 12: Alternative movements can get you where you need to go.
If your horse won't move straight forward, start moving it in a different direction.If you can back up the horse, it will move forward.If you wanted to change the direction of the horse, you could move it in a different direction.If you want your horse to turn its head, tighten the reins on the other side.If you want the horse to move forward, tighten your calves around it.The horse should be moved in small circles.Make the circles a little bigger by reducing the pressure on the reins.The tension on the reins can be released gradually.Give your horse the command to go forward once it becomes more willing to do so.The command is associated with that type of movement.
Step 13: It's a good idea to avoid using excessive punishment.
Some people say we need to show horses who's boss.Horses are smart and they pick up on discipline better than brute force.Instead of lashing out in anger when a horse disobeys, apply moderate pressure with your legs to get the horse to fall in line.Even if the pain is only temporary, avoid doing anything to your horse that causes it pain or injury.Repetition and positive reinforcement can get a horse to follow your commands.If you train a horse kindly, you will have a much easier time.
Step 14: Repeated training sessions is recommended.
Continue training until you can tell your horse to move forward.If you want your horse to go forward, you may need a lot of these sessions.The process will teach you and your horse good habits.If your horse doesn't move forward when you direct it, you can use your legs.The horse should be stopped once it starts moving.Direct the horse to move forward when it is at a stand still.Repeatedly, until the horse's response improves.If your horse is stubborn, you can stop it and have him go on.
Step 15: The horse needs to be accosted with treats.
If there is an emergency, you can lure a horse with a snack.The horse may begin to expect a treat whenever you want it to move, so this should be rarely used.Small pieces of banana, apple, or melon are some of the good treats to feed a horse.There are small pieces of carrot, celery, and snow peas that you can give it.