It’s “Ask Martin Monday!” This week, Martin answers a question about a rearing horse.

Question: “I have been riding a outside horse for a client and when he gets worked, up he starts to rear up. I stay out of his mouth but with no success. I try to bend his hindquarters, that seems to help sometimes.”

Martin: “A horse’s first means of defense is flight- they will go forward. If they THINK they can’t go forward, then they may rear, go backwards or choose a different route. The only exception I know of a horse rearing with nothing on his head is if he’s a cinchy horse. I’m sure if you remove everything off the horse’s head, he won’t rear. The point is, even though you may not have contact the horse may be intimidated by the energy in your hands or previous experience. If forward motion is your first priority and you don’t sacrafice that to redirect him, it will improve your outcome. Thanks for your question!”

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