Caretaker Horses – that don’t want to go forwards easily – are vastly misunderstood.
I saw a plea for help in a Facebook group.
“This guy has been testing me he trys to go back to the gate, no matter what I do, turn him, then go back to our obstacles, stubborn almost it feels like and I try to send him on the ride, but I can tell he’s trying to refuse. i feel like we need to go to another field or area he does not live in to have a calmer ride . Any advice ! Please!”
My reply:
It sounds like he’s what I call a Caretaker Horse. I’ve put a link to more information about these wonderful horses at the end of the blog. They don’t want to move forward when they’re afraid or confused OR when our riding seat is a bit unstable or if WE’RE nervous or afraid. Their personality is a blessing to nervous riders because they keep their own nerves inside themselves while they look after us instead, rather than react like most horses do.
My advice? Mount up in the middle of the riding area and just sit there doing absolutely nothing except enjoy the feeling of being in his back. Then get off and pack him up for the day.
Do that again tomorrow and the day after, for as many days as you need to, until you feel your riding position deep and strong and happy, which happens when you – YOU – are deep on your comfort zone. Then you’ll be ready to move forwards and you’ll be a whole lot safer with a more connected riding seat too.
Simple answer, pretty much a guaranteed result. Here’s an article with more about Caretaker Horses and the other horse personalities:
Today’s photo: Bobby and I a loooong time ago. More than 30 years. Bareback and bridle-less at Nar Nar Goon Pony Club doing their obstacle course. Mannn he was the ultimate Caretaker Horse. I almost ruined him – I DID ruin him – driving him forwards through his Caretaker instincts. At one time he was bucking higher than my head – there’s video footage of that somewhere. He forgave me though, bless him, when he eventually got me to listen to him and our lives took the path that brought us here.
