Getting a horse to move forward requires an understanding of how to communicate.Most horses will move willingly if you can give them clear directions.If you have a horse that is stubborn, you may need to use creative solutions to get it to move where you want it.
Step 1: Pull the reins to get the attention of the horse.
Light tension can be put on the horse's mouth by using the reins.The horse will pay attention to the light pulling.Release your tension on the reins once you have the horse's attention in order to reinforce other signals.
Step 2: You want the horse to go forward by gripping 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 towards the horse's head.The hug with the legs should be positive.
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 should start moving if you move forward in your seat.Push your hips down and forward to make sure this motion is done.The horse can't feel the movements in your upper body.
Step 4: The horse should move forward if the verbal cue is given.
It is possible to let a horse know it is time to move with sound.A short clicking or kissing noise will let the horse know it's time to start.Repeatedly making this sound can get your horse to go into trot or canter.You want the horse to start 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 in a clear way.
There should be no barriers that keep the horse from moving.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 backward with your saddle.If you are leaning forward with your shoulders, it 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 gentle 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 or reins should be held.
If you want to make a horse move forward while on the ground, it's important to hold onto the animal tightly, as the leader and reins are used to communicate with the horse.Do not wrap the leader around your hand.If the horse tries to run off, it can cause serious injury to your hand.
Step 8: If you want it to go in a certain direction, tug on the reins.
The horse knows you want it to move.You shouldn't have to pull with all your might.The tugging is a cue for the horse.A horse should start moving with a gentle tug.
Step 9: The horse starts 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 has not been completed.
Step 10: Give commands to the horse
When 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 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 is used to tell a horse that you want it to move.If you are moving your own horse, you may have a special noise.
Step 11: Look at the horse's health.
The horse being in pain can cause resistance to moving forward.When the horse steps, it will decide to avoid that movement whenever possible.It's a good idea to 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 will 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.The horse could be moved in a different direction if you wanted to.If you want your horse to turn its head, tighten the reins on one side.If you want the horse to move forward, tighten your calves around it.The horse should be moved in small circles.Reducing the pressure on the reins will make the circles a little bigger.The tension on the reins can be loosened 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: Avoid excessive punishment.
Some people want us to show horses who's boss.Horses pick up on clear and compassionate discipline better than brute force.Instead of lashing out in anger when a horse disobeys, apply moderate pressure with your legs and stand your ground until the horse falls in line.A good rule of thumb is not to do anything to your horse that will cause it pain or injury.Positive reinforcement and repetition are better ways to get a horse to follow your commands.It will be much easier to train a horse kindly than it is to scare it.
Step 14: Repeated training sessions is a good idea.
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 completely once it starts moving.Direct the horse to move forward once it is at a stand still.Continue 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 co-axed with some 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 used rarely.Most fruits, such as small pieces of banana, apple, or melon, are good treats to feed a horse.You can give it small pieces of food.