How do I get my horse to pass by other horses?

sle9008: How do I get my horse to pass by other horses?
So I don’t have a fenced-in area or room for a fenced-in area at my house, so I ride down dirt roads near my house. There is a small farm near my house that has two horses in the front pasture. My horse can usually go by one way without calling them out or stopping, but on the way back, she calls to them then goes up to the fence and won’t turn around to go home. When I ask her to move she usually picks up her front legs and pivots around on her hindquarters. It takes a long time to get her to do what I want her to do and it gets really frustrating.

Answers and Views:

Answer by fastfinal137
Is it possible that these other horses are geldings or stallions? You might be breaking up a potential love match, or at least in her eyes! Horses are social animals and if you don’t have another one at home for her to buddy up with, she is going to of course jump at the chance for some socialization. It’s one of the many reasons why you will see a solitary horse turned out with a donkey or mule of some stature, gives them a buddy. If that doesn’t work but you are willing to have another equine mouth to feed, look into a rescue organization that may have an elderly or unsound horse that would be a great pasture buddy for your girl. Usually the pasture sound only horses are free or have a very small donation attached to them.

If that isn’t an option, take her past there as much as possible and perhaps even ask this neighbor if it would be possible to hand graze her near the fence so she will feel like proper introductions have been made and it won’t be a new and foreign thing when you go past anymore.

Answer by jordan h
Is your horse the only horse you own? Or is she alone, without any other horses with her? If so, she could just get excited about seeing other horses. When my mare refuses to go forward, I just turn her in really tight circles. once to the left and then once to the right, and then i push her forward with my legs. normally that is enough. but if she still refuses, then go back and do the circles twice instead of once, then move her forward. if she still refuses, just keep increasing the amount of circles. Another option is to walk her by while you are leading her on the ground. do it more than once and if she stops, turn her in really tight circles. Or you could get off and lounge her on the ground in a smaller circle. If she wants to turn one way, make her turn the other way using your legs and reins. Dont pull her in the direction she is going unless you told her to do that. She needs to understand that you are in control and if she wants to turn in circles, then you make her do about 5 the opposite direction and then 5 in the other direction. Eventually she will come to learn that you are in control and she is not supposed to stop when she wants to. These circles may take a bit, but it is totally worth it when you no longer have to worry about her stopping to talk with the other horses. I know some people may be opposed to the use of riding crops(whips) and spurs, but if she is still refusing to go forward, try using one or both of those tools. I am not saying to beat the snot out of her, but just use them in that area. she will come to learn that spot near the fence is unpleasent and will avoid stoping there and causing you so much trouble. I hope some of these exercises help you and i wish you luck with your horse! Happy trails!!!

Answer by Fancys_Mamma
she could be lonesome get off and walk her by a few times and see if next time that helps

Answer by kala
you need to be firm with what you want, you cannot let her control you. when she tries to ignor your directions you need to make sure you are looking the way you want to go, keep your leg on, and move your reins so that you block her neck from bulging either way. if these are followed correctly then you should have an easier time getting her by. if she gets really ignorant you have to resort to a whip on the bum as well. just light taps should do the trick.

Answer by Bobbi
If you sense something is coming up, like a car coming, horses coming to the fence, whatever, start in advance getting her attention by lifting up on the reins, speaking to her, using your legs…usually, if you get a horse’s mind on you, you have things pretty much under control. as they have a one track mind, and easier to control that way. Be firm and persistant and consistant, the most important things to remember in any situation with a horse or any other animal…hope this helps, good luck