My young horse

Question
I have owned my Welsh D X since he was 11 months old, he will be 3 years old at the end of May (horse owner for 20 years).  If my horse doesn't like what I am doing or gets a little bored he will use his front legs to kick out (never uses his back legs) and do little rears (not dangerous) but I do not want this to get out of hand.  He will be lightly backed towards the end of the Summer and do not want him to start rearing to avoid doing something.  Is this normal for a young horse?  Very laid back and kind in every other way.

Answer
Hi Hazel,

         Horses strike for several reasons. These reasons include, being afraid, attacking to defend themselves, they are just being mean or they want to show who is boss.

From what you have said, it seems as though your horse is trying to show you that he is in charge and may be bored. I would start by cutting down any sweet feed he is getting and substituting a pelleted feed. Also, if you have a pasture then turn him out as much as possible. If you do not have a pasture then lunge him. If he is a stallion and you do not intend to breed him, then I would suggest that you geld him as hormones can play a part. If he does attempt to strike when you are working with him, then hit him in the chest with a lunge whip and yell no. This is the same way the alpha mare would discipline him in the herd (using her feet).


To stop the rearing, start leading him with either a rope or chain over his nose. . Anytime your horse rears you will want to smack him on the chest with your whip and pull his head down and to the side. The rope will apply pressure and he will go down to get away from it. As soon as his feet hit the ground, then release the pressure. While you are doing this tell your horse in a firm voice down. Make sure that you are not standing in front of him so that you are not hit by his legs.

Lisa