kicking horse

Question
Hi there is this horse at my barn that is really sweet to people and completely bombproof and reliable. The only problem is that he is picked on out in the field which then results in a constant mentality of 'protecting' himself when he is being ridden. He usually pins his ears and at some points kicks out. We have had to try to discipline him by hitting him and telling him no and even making him work harder on occasion when he would do it. But the instructors no longer want us to smack him when he pins his ears or bucks because they find it mean since he is constantly picked on. Is there anyway we could try to discipline him for this behavior? Maybe even correct it? Thanks so much!

Answer
Marissa,

The solution to the field problem would be to put him in another field with a different group of horses, but that doesn't sound possible.  Horses have a strict hierarchy in the herd and this one sounds like he's the low man on the totem pole.  Unfortunately if he won't stand up for himself there isn't much you can do about it except move him out of the group or take the worst bullies out of it.

As far as kicking when being ridden, that's a little different story.  You don't say when it happens but I am assuming it's when other horses get too close.  Horse etiquette would be to put a red ribbon in his tail to warn other riders that your horse kicks and to steer clear.  At the competitions I do you see lots of red ribbons in horse's tails.  Some riders do it just to keep people off their butts!  Other riders should know that you just don't ride up another horse's butt in front of you, that's plain bad manners, but I run into lots of riders who do that.  Many times, if you feel your horse is gathering himself up to do something the best thing you can do is collect him up and ask him to start doing something.  I've asked for shoulder-in movements, side-passes (where possible), just something to get him to focus back on you and get his mind off what he was planning to do.  I also verbally warn the rider who is too close to back off or face the consequences.  

Sorry I can't give you a quick fix for this but I have tried to give you some suggestions to deal with the problem which will help.  Best I can do.  

Lyn