Freezing

Question
Hi,    Ihave read the notification.

Our youngest family member was started about 6 months ago, we have had him home for approx. 3.  He is a 3 1/2 year old arab gelding.  I am absolutely delighted with him, we are bonding well and I am enjoying the beginning of our journey.  We have two retired seniors, and another riding arab. We trail ride, pleasure only.  Our horses are bitless, barefoot and treeless.

I have made a mistake,  in my attempt to make his initial trails light and pleasurable I was getting off and walking with him on the way home.  I would also get off if the footing was loose or rocky.   Consequently I have accidently trained him to think that  if he stops,  Mum gets off.  He does not appear stressed, just determined.   I have been slapping either side of the saddle (not him!) with my soft cotton reins, makes a loud popping noise.  When he moves off I immediately stop. I have also stopped getting off.
This method seems to be working,  he is freezing only once or twice each ride.  He will do this even with his buddy infront. He is normally very responsive to seat and leg, I just need to look where I want to go and he responds.  

I feel there must be a better way,  and I would also like to get back to walking with the little man.  thanking you, kind regards.

Answer
Stop slapping the saddle and slap him - you taught it, you have to un teach it. You have to be harder and mean since you were so nice that now he thinks you can't make him listen. I agree with him, I don't think you can make him listen either. So it up to you to prove us both wrong or prove us both right.