I've got a young TWH/KMSH cross "Rebel". He's an amazing horse, so well mannered and gentle, He's resistent to leg. It takes so much squeezing, smooching, slapping myself, and as a last resort smacking with the rein to get him to move out
This is a pretty common reaction of young horses. Actually, unless he is kicking or bucking or fussing when you apply your leg, he is not resisting, he is just not responding the way you think he should. Assuming, as others have written, that all is fine with saddle fit and the bridle you are using and also assuming you are not accidentally stopping him with your hands, then here are some things you can do. Have someone on another horse go ahead of him, but still use your legs to cue him so that he will undersatand that when you squeeze or just bump him with your calf muscle, he needs to go forward. If he's used to working in the round pen or riding ring at liberty, have someone on the ground encourage him forward from the ground as you firmly apply your leg - don't kick. Do what ever you would ordinarily do with a broke horse but back it up from the ground person. If you are comfortable using a long dressage whip, first use your leg then a tap from the whip behind the leg when he does not respond . Quit with the whip just as soon as he understands that your leg applied means to move off. My guess about his not wanting to maintain a trot or intermediate gait is that he is not fit enough or balanced enough to sustain anything other than a walk. I don't know how you feel about riding outside the riding ring, but if you have someone you can go out with, a change of scenery often perks up a bored youngster. Also - wear a helmet and keep your balance. Sometimes youg horses will lurch suddenly when they first realize that you want them to move forward off your leg. Nancy
