Getting a horse to enjoy work..with boundaries

Question
I was wondering how you can encourage an unwilling horse (not due to health problems) to like work and try his best? He is green. I am not having much trouble with him, it is going steadily well. With encouragemen/food/pats etc, he gets the idea pretty quickly. Once he gets it, and I mean the very first time, he wont do it again. I am positive he is not bored of doing it becuase it is inly the third time. He then resorts to trying to buck and be silly. Basically I want to know how to encourage him to be brave and do what I want without him getting too bold and full of himself/taking advantage. Please ask if im confusing you.

Answer
Hi Cassie!

I love to hear these types of questions.  You are really thinking about your horse!  You horse sounds like a thinker, too!!

Be very clear with him.  Be very business like and set kindergarten clear boundaries.  You said it was his third ride so he must be three?  Is he bucking when after you saddle him and ask him to move around, or while you are riding?

Bucking shows that the horse is troubled in some way.  It may be resistance and trying to take over and showing some frustration.  If this is the case, stay very business like, establish CLEAR boundaries and don't pick.  If you have sent your horse out at the trot in the round pen and he kicks up a fuss and leaves bucking, turn up the heat. This can be his frustration at not being allowed to take over.  If he is bucking when you send him out to move after you have saddled him, it could be that his body is tight and the cinches are uncomfortable and very new.  I would take my time saddling him.  Make sure you take it slow in snugging up the cinches.  Get the cinches fully snug in three steps not all at once.  Tighten a bit walk him forward, tighten again, walk more give him a few minutes each time, and  then tighten your chinch again.  NEVER back you horse up while snugging up a cinch, english or western is does not matter, he could become so tight he could flip over, always give him plenty of time to walk out first.  

If he is hogging around while you are riding, rub him!  Make sure you have a good hold of your night latch or rope and never pull on his face.  Sometimes with just a bit of rubbing they will relax and realize it is going to be okay.  If you feel the buck coming before it happens, bend him.  Get him rolling over his hind quarters.  This will not only help him supple, it will help him relax.

Remember Cassie you are leading the dance!  Be a leader your horse can trust and you will be able to ride him anywhere!  Don't hesitate to lay down the law if necessary, but when it is over, it is over!  Get in get a change and then leave him alone.   This applies to everything.  YOUR attitude will become your HORSES attitude.  Be bold and business-like and so will he.

You are developing a great equine partner!  You are on the right track.  Keep asking questions, I'll help all I can.

Smiles and Miles (Horseback of course!) Denise