How do I get my green horse to move into an even forward trot?

Question
Hi Dorothy,

I am currently leasing a green gelding that I am having trouble with moving into a nice, even, forward trot. I've been riding for a fairly long time, about 12 years, including some green horses but I am not sure how exactly to go about dealing with this one and I would like some professional advice rather than wasting my time (and confusing him) trying out different methods.

The horse is definitely green and walks with a relatively arched neck. He rushes into an uneven trot and then becomes balky and will stop on his own before completing even half a circle around the arena. When he stops it becomes difficult to get him to trot again without really kicking. I'm used to riding sensitive horses and I really, really don't want to create or encourage a horse that needs to be kicked to move forward. I may potentially lease him for the next 2 1/2 months, and I would like to soften him up, get him moving forward consistenly and evenly.

The background of this is probably part of the problem - he is in a rustic barn that is mostly equipped for trail rides and most horses are kept tied with heavy western saddles on all day. The care of the horses and the general outlook of the barn is rough, to say the least. It is one of those fairly typical "shoreline" trail ride places you see in California.

Anyway, so far I've only committed to leasing the horse for the remainder of the month, and I'll see how he is then. My plan so far has been to lunge him for 10-15 minutes before riding so he has a chance to "play" and to move forward on his own. I was also thinking of wearing (very short, blunt) english riding spurs while riding to get him to move forward off of my leg without kicking. He is a bit scatter-brained but really sweet on the ground and I'd really like to see him improve.

What would you recommend?

Answer
Hello Allie,

There is only one way that is tried and true for this problem.  It is not spurs.  You will need spurs when you begin lateral work beginning 1st level dressage, or a crop for jumping.  

In order to get a lazy or reluctant horse to go forward, you must carry a dressage whip about 2 or 3 feet long and when you give a leg aid and voice command to go forward at walk or trot, and he does not obey, you must reinforce your leg aid with a sharp crack of the whip just behind your leg. You must do this each and every time he balks.  Be prepared for him to bolt or to buck or to rear or to run, but crack him you must.  

After he is going forward on command, a good way to make him enjoy this is to scatter jump poles on the ground all over the arena and trot over them, this way and that...turning and maneuvering.

This worked with a mare I just sold. At first she would not trot at all. I used the whip to get her going and after that I used the poles.  She actually had fun going over them and soon she was trotting out on her on.

Then, always carry a crop or a dressage whip to remind your mount that you are boss.  You two are a herd of two and so far, he is bossman.

But, sadly, you must punish disobedience....only as must as needed, but as often as needed.  

Also, you better check out with the owner before you do this. The owner may not want his/her horse to be made to go forward, so be safe and legal.

Happy riding,
Dorothy