Stubborn, resistant paint gelding

Question
QUESTION: Hello Bobby,
I am an expert on horse training with Allexperts so it is unusual for me to have this problem of having to ask advice. However each horse can teach us something different. My latest project is a 7 year old paint/TB cross. Until I got him last summer he had only followed along on cattle moves and was calm and willing to walk with a 5 year old mounted. He was sold as a 3 in calmness. Truth is is that he is just lazy and was malnourished. When fed well, 4 months of ground work, we mounted him and he only wanted to turn on a dime in front of the stable. Taking him anywhere alone was a big project involving real riding. I thought he would shape up like most of my rehabs have done, but he is still stubborn and resistant.  I have over 40 years of experience, so I know about bits, saddle fitting, etc. I am an excellent rider, but I would like to know if you have any methods for handling this problem. He falls down, tries to run into fence, pulls in the direction he wants to go...He was so much better last fall than he is this spring, after the winter layover.  Any advice from one horseman to a horsewoman?
Thanks,
Dorothy

ANSWER: Hi Dorothy,
No it is not unusual for another trainer to ask another trainer for advice or help. We do it all the time. No trainer has ALL the answers.
What you have sounds like a horse with a respect issue. This horse makes his own rules and has his own agenda. That is something that needs to be addressed.
What has worked for me in the past is the "make the wrong thing hard...and the right thing easy" method.
I would first put him back in the round pen and make sure you have a firm foundation on him. Get his respect fully. I won't go into the round pen method to gain respect for I'm sure you already know. Then when mounted I would put his feet to work every time he acts up. I would be doing tons of tight circles and serpentines at a trot. Not a walk!!! Put his feet to work. I mean really make him work hard and sweat. After a while he will find that his acting up is way too much work and he's losing weight over it. He will find it's much easier and better to just go along with the program.
I hope this has helped you. Keep me posted on your progress.
You can contact me at
blpdoc82652@yahoo.com
You can also read more about me on my website:
www.yazooequinetraining.com
Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Bobby,

However it is at the trot that he acts up.  That is when he runs into the fence, falls down (3 times). I have done rehab for many problems so this is more than usual. His ground manners are great.  He knows all the word commands on lunge, including taking the correct lead at canter.  But mounted is when he fights.  Otherwise he is a puppydog.

Answer
Remember. What happens on the ground intensifies in the saddle. So, I would say something is missing in the ground work...somewhere. You might have to hunt for it. I would still do the tight circles and serpentines at a trot when he acts up. Make it your idea to do the trot and not his. Just be ready for him to try to get you off and keep his feet moving. I wouldn't do it anywhere near a fence however or anywhere he might could try to rub you off. You have your hands full, for sure. Please be careful.