Rearing Behavior - A Natural Fear Response

This clip shows why horses rear and the keys to convert that behavior to calmly standing in willingness. Marlis Amato uses natural horse footage to show how to use the Equus language. This is part of the soon to be released Training in Equus: Clipping the Difficult Horse.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• rearing horse
• rearing behavior
• horse behavior
• natural horse
• natural horsemanship
• herd behavior
• clipping
• difficult horse

[TheMeaTV]

Onehorsey, What type of bits have you tried?In both transitions you describe, your horse is taking exception to the pressure. Use a snaffle, preferably a French link, and practice using only outside rein contact, leaving inside rein loose. Don't actually tip his head to the outside, but have light contact. Often working the rein independently this way teaches the horse to use engage behind instead of bracing against the bit pressure. He may not slow or speed immediately at first. Be patient.

[SnowKitten53]

My horse has had two incidents rearing lately, both in which i was mounting and both in which he fell backwards and on top of me, causing me great pain. He has not done it for a month or two now and have been mounting in sandy areas such as the arena, in case of another rear. His back and teeth and hooves have been checked and i cannot think of any other reason as to why he would rear. Any ideas?

[TheMeaTV]

@SnowKitten53 Make sure you're not holding both reins too tightly. Hold only one rein on the inside to bend only as far as getting the corner of his eye. This affects his balance to the inside and he can't rear, only circle or "hop". For your safety, don't even try to get on until you can relax your horse and he stands quietly. If you hold both reins tightly on any horse in motion, they're likely to rear. You must release to relieve anxiety. Be sure to look at my Dominance video for explanation

[GoldenCiderApfel]

I was wonderin if you could give me some advice (or if anyone can) I have a 6 year old thoroughbred mare who is fizzy to ride...i do lunge her before riding her or she's impossible to work with...sometimes she gets so wound up that if i don't let her canter arround she gets in a strop and starts doing a series of bunny hops and little rears...what can i do to train her out of it..???

[Saence]

@SnowKitten53 What about the saddle? Mounting is a prime time when saddle fittings woes become apparent.

[onehorsey9]

wow, this is a good insight. I do have a problem with rearing - my 4 year old ThoroughbredX is prone to rearing when I ask for change of gaits - most often from trot to canter and back down to trot. I do like to hack her out, and to enter her in dressage shows since she has good looking moves, but with this habit engraved we never get anywhere. I've tried using different bits, and position of the bit in the mouth in case this was the issue, but even this didnt solve the problems. Any help?

[Lizzie200292]

My horse rears towards me and tries to bite when i put pressure on his nose when leading. what can i do about this?

i have been told about using a chifney, but i would rather not.

[cammarkgross]

I love your Arabs!!!

[Sallybunckle]

Noticed in the video at 5.55 this horse even relax's to the point of propping on one back leg. A big turn around in such a short time.

Loving all your video's

[vikkiwag]

Great information, thank you for posting! I found this information very insightful and helpful.