hacking

Question
My 14yr old daughter has had her new horse for a month.   He is 10, and has a lovely nature, however, when he hacks out alone, or in company, he has a tendency to stop (when he wishes) , or atart walking backwards. He does this near the road, and has on one accasion just stopped in the road.  Please help

Answer
Hi Wendy!

This is a common behavior for horses.  You have not owned him for a very long time and he is testing the waters to see what he can get away with or he has gaps in his education.  

I would like a little more information before I give any training advice.  What is his age, breed and previous experience?  Did he trail ride much before you got him?  What is your daughter's skill level and is she a "forward" rider?  How often is he ridden and what is his tack?

This can quickly dissolve into a dangerous issue and for your child's safety I recommend until it is corrected, your daughter does not hack him out but, instead rides him in an arena.  

Solange