Please help with my rearing

Question
I have owned my 16.2 sports horsextb gelding for one month. When I first got him he was bucking alot but now we have stopped the bucking and everytime he gets scared or doesnt want to do something he rears up alot. Unfortunately for me I couldn't stay on tonight and came off on the hack and he pelted back to the stable.  have tried pulling his head to the side however sometimes my reactions aren't quick enough. I did think about a fixed martingale but obviously wouldn't be any good for jumping. Please can you give me some other tips with what I can do.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Carlie,

This is a new partnership, and I would think he's seeing how much you will let him get away with.

The rearing is probably just testing you, and if you let him continue to get away with it, then it will become a habit.  A fixed martingale will help to control his head, and prevent him coming up above the bit and rearing up.  It is legal for jumping, my friend went round the Hickstead Derby with a standing martingale on her horse, as she couldn't hold him otherwise!

You will have to be really thinking ahead of him, and try to avoid the situations where he could rear up....and really use your legs and seat to drive him forwards, don't let him stop.  Talk to him and reassure him, and then ask him to walk forwards.....if he ignores you, ask again, and if that doesn't work, ask again, this time backing up with a short sharp smack to remind him that you are there and he has to listen to you.

May also be worth getting his back and teeth checked by your vet, and also your saddle fit checked by your saddler, as pain is often a cause of rearing.

I hope this has helped, and good luck with this boy.  If there is anything else I can help you with, then please do contact me.

Emma xx