Set the Path

If your horse ignores your requests to move out, AQHA Professional Horseman Heather Young says to look at what you’re asking of your horse.

“Don’t aimlessly ride around your arena without a purpose,” she says. “Letting the horse go wherever he wants, at whatever pace he wants, will teach him bad habits.”

Even if you’re just trail riding, make sure you’re in control of where and how fast your horse is traveling.

“This will help instill a better work ethic,” says Young. “It’s the same thing with people—if you get up one day and slack off on making your bed, by the second or third day, you’ll quit making your bed all together. It’s the same with your horse—if you let him ride around aimlessly without purpose, then he’s going to be lazy.”