How to Improve Work Ethic in Lazy Horses

Just as you wouldn't ask a lazy person to run a marathon, you shouldn't push the horse too fast in the beginning.

With more than 400 breeds of horses in the world, a person can quickly discover the wide variety of personalities in these powerful creatures. Some might be destined for the racetrack, while others are better equipped for manual labor. Wherever a horse ends up, it's clear a lazy animal can create frustration. Some horses are naturally mellow, but this doesn't mean you can't instill a good work ethic in the horse. Training horses is a dialogue between the rider and the horse, meaning you'll have to work as hard as him.

Instructions

1. Have a veterinarian give a full examination to the horse to rule out physical causes. An unhealthy horse may be incapable of delivering what you want. The exam should include blood work, a fecal exam to check for worms, lameness evaluation and dental check. Also discuss your horse's fitness level and diet to make sure their adequate for the level of work you desire to gain from it.

2. Take the horse for multiple short rides instead of for one long period. When riding in high temperatures, the horse can become exhausted and overheated.

3. Evaluate your riding and training routine to make sure you're not contributing or causing the problem. Are you providing proper cues? If you're having to use more and more leg pressure, you might be desensitizing the horse to your cues.

4. Create a basic fitness program to lighten him up. Start with five minutes of walking, then increase the pace to a working trot for another five minutes. Slow to a walk for a few minutes to let the horse catch his breath. Gallop the horse for five minutes to the left and five minutes to the right. Over the next few weeks, increase the gallop times to 10 minutes in each direction.

5. Work in conditioning exercises, like counter-bending, half-passes, roll-backs, turns on the forehand, turns on the haunches, moving the shoulders and moving the hips. Without proper strength, a horse cannot complete strenuous activity.

6. Build the horse's training to peak at the time of the event or competition. Asking the horse to expend his full energy too early can cause the horse to burn out. Vary the training so you're not asking for a full workout each day.

Tips & Warnings

• Use light pressure with your legs for the first few days. Pay attention to the horse's energy and disposition, finding the horse's limits during training. Train in large areas with good footing for the horse. If the horse still doesn't respond, consider hiring a professional trainer to help.

• Naturally mellow horses can develop mental problems and become aggressive if pushed too hard. Nonprofessional riders often use too much hand and not enough leg when riding and giving cues. Don't focus too much on technical elements without proper attention to physical conditioning. Feed horses from a bucket rather than your hand.

References

• Horse Channel; Charging Up the Lazy Horse; Marcia King; Feb. 23, 2001
• Horse Training; Training the Lazy Horse; Georgia Bruce; May 28, 2007
• Alpha Horse: Horse Training Tips
• Horse Whisperer: Tips

Resources

• PBS: Horses
• National Geographic: Horse