My horse has taken off with me. this is new

Question
Hello,

You recently posted a question to Anne Gage in category Horses - Behavior
Issues, Breaking and Training:

My Girlfiend and I have been riding together for 9 years. Our horses are Half
brother and sister. mIne is a
the gelding. They are borded and pastured together. He is the lfa male. He
likes to be in front but can be happy behind.  He is 19 yrs old.  2 times lately
when behind as we started to trot he has taken off with me to pass his sister in
a full gallop. How do I stop this behavior? It is such an out of control
feeling. Usually he is so calm. Unless other horses are Present. then he is very
alpha male acting.

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Answer
Hi Susan,
This behavior can be cured by "MAKING THE WRONG THING HARD AND THE RIGHT THING EASY".
Horses are lazy by nature and will take the easy way almost everytime if given the choice. So....let's let him make a choice.
The next time your riding with someone and your horse wants to take the lead too fast, let him. That's his choice. BUT....let him learn that it was the wrong decision. Make being out front too much work for him. Let him get out there and then immediately put him to work by turning him in small tight circles at a trot. Do a lot of serpentines at a trot. Make it alot of work to be there. He needs to be hot, sweaty and huffing and puffing when you get through. The let him walk calmly behind the other horse. If he does it again, let him and work him hard again. It may take a few time of doing this to get him to stop but he will soon learn that being out front and taking off with you is just not worth the effort. Thus "MAKE THE WORNG THING HARD"..running away to the front, "AND THE RIGHT THING EASY"...calmly walking in his place.
I hope this has helped you. Please ride safe.
If you have anymore questions or need further explanation you can email me:
blpdoc82652@yahoo.com
You can also read more about me on my website:
www.yazooequinetraining.com