Horse Balking

What do you do with a horse refusing to go forward – or go any direction for that matter? People think of their horse balking as a sign that he’s dull or lazy or stubborn, but that’s just not the case. Natural horsemanship asks us to look deeper, to figure out why and understand what’s really going on.

Horses have three systems that operate in a specific order: the RESPECT system, the IMPULSION system, and the FLEXION system. A car's engine also has three systems – air, fuel, fire – and if one system isn’t working, the engine won’t operate properly. So it is with horses too.

Correcting Horse Balking Behavior

If IMPULSION isn’t functioning, check the prior system – RESPECT. If you have a horse refusing to go, you need to get more respect from your horse. The very first level of Parelli natural horse training (Level 1) is about developing respect and eliminating opposition reflex. Through working with the horse on the ground using the Seven Games, and developing FreeStyle riding skills, the horse's attitude improves because of the new level of communication, trust, and respect. Horse balking behavior really shifts in Level 2, which is about positive reflexes and includes many strategies for improving IMPULSION.

Getting the "Go" Part Right

Most people are told to kick a horse to go, which is ridiculous when you think about it from a horse's point of view. Imagine if you were kicked in the ribs on the way to the dance floor...what would your attitude be towards that dance partner? Would you even want to go? By using four distinct phases of polite assertiveness with your horse, he can quickly become a willing partner, happy to take your lead rather than balking at every turn.

• Phase 1 – Smile with all your cheeks! Take a long focus, stretch your hand out in front of you with the reins, and tighten your cheeks. If the horse has not moved forward from this suggestion, continue through the phases and be ready to release as soon as he offers forward movement.
• Phase 2 – Squeeze with your legs, starting at the top, then all the way down to your heels (turn your toes outward to make smooth contact). This is not a strong squeeze. If you are straining or getting cramps, it's too strong! Remember, a horse can feel a fly land on him.
• Phase 3 – Smooch while holding the squeeze, do not let go with your legs.
• Phase 4 – Spank. Start by spanking yourself. Lightly slap your shoulders from side to side with the end of a rope (like the 12-foot Lead section of the Horseman's Reins on the Natural Hackamore). Allow the rope to grow longer and keep up the flapping rhythm until it starts touching your horse on the sides of his hindquarters, letting it get progressively stronger if he has not responded.

The moment your horse responds, release your legs, quit spanking, and go forward with him. If he stops or slows, repeat the phases again. Begin each time at Phase 1, and be prepared to go to Phase 4. Finally, be sure there's enough 'life' in your body when you ride. Think about how fast you want your horse to go and bring up enough life in your body to simulate that...then let the squeezing, smooching and spanking support it. Your horse will learn very quickly how to get in tune with you.

Common Mistakes When Working To Correct Horse Balking Behavior

• Try to avoid kicking from habit, or you’ll quickly lose whatever respect you just earned. Really keep a watch out for this.
• Don’t keep squeezing and/or spanking after the horse has made the effort to go forward. This feels unfair and confuses horses because they won't know what the right behavior is.
• Be sure to put slack in the reins. It's a common habit to put contact in the reins when the horse goes forward, but this confuses the poor horse who’s trying to do the right thing. Level 2 Program techniques can really help with this.