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Horse Training – Handling Bad Habits

Some horses tend to show bad habits. Once you notice them, determine the cause and correct the bad habits at once. Here are some of the bad habits of horses and how you can handle them properly.

Balking – the horse refuses to move forward and the horse shows bad temper. This habit is curable. Try to review the forward work through longeing and in-hand. Turn the head of your horse to un-track right or left. Don’t pull the rein or exert force because you will definitely lose.

Barn sour/herd bound – the horse rears, balks, screams, and swings around the herd or barn. Like balking, this is also curable. If your horse is stubborn, you may need professional help. Review your lessons concerning ‘whoa’ and ‘go’ just in case your horse is not too stubborn.

Biting – horses nibble or grab with their teeth/lips. This is common among young horses. When your horse nips, handle the muzzle, lips, and his nostrils frequently and tug on the nose chain. You can also use the thumb tack on the sleeve. Hold the wire brush to the horse’s lips and use the muzzle.