about horses

Question
Hi there,

I'v been riding for more than a year.. I think I'm doing good but sometimes I face problems with the horses.. I'm riding in a riding school which doesn't have a very good horses..

1- when I asked for a canter some horses doesn't respond even if I use the whip.. sometimes I think that there's misunderstanding between me and the horse, so what is the most understood commands that could make the horse get that I want him to go for a canter now? And if the horse canters or even trots with a wrong lead what is the best way to correct it?

2- if I'm dealing with a very stubborn horse which refuses to move unless I show him some violence (spurs, whip, kick, or using the reins in a strong way), and if this horse always BUCKS in a way that make me fall more than once, what is the best way to contact with this horse, in general I hate to be unkind with horses, is it possible to change this horse's bad habits by being good with him? And making him doing what I want if I asked in another way? Although I tried to do it but I got no result

3- what is the best position to avoid falling down when the horse buck? And when the horse raise his front legs high?

4- are Arabians harder to contact with than the other breeds?

5- how could I be completely physically fit for riding?

Thanks in advance,
sara


Answer
Hi Sara,
          
           To answer one and two I need a bit more information. How long have you been riding, do you ride English or Western, how long have you been taking lessons?


3- what is the best position to avoid falling down when the horse buck? And when the horse raise his front legs high?

First off if a horse is doing this then he is either not properly trained or have a physical problem causing him pain. Either way you do not want to ride a horse that does that. That aside the best way to avoid falling off if a horse rears and to lean forward. and if he does buck again try to keep your weight balanced and forward.

4- are Arabians harder to contact with than the other breeds?

Arabians are considered a more sensitive breed so it they need a lighter hand.

5- how could I be completely physically fit for riding? Do lots of walking, climbing, lifting things. This all helps build up some of the muscles you need.