My 13 year old QH gelding moves from side to side while I’m trying to saddle him… and he pulls back for no reason at all. I know many of you have recommended the blocker tie ring which I have but doesn’t that just allow him to get his way? If I don’t hard tie him he moves all over the place more dramatically. Two issues here. 1.) He pulls back when hard tied sporadically. 2.). Moves around while saddling no matter what or how I have him tied.
He may be trying to tell you something. The saddle might not be a good fit causing him pain so he is avoiding it by moving away.
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mmmm. interesting idea. He is cinchy so that might make sense. Thank you .
although I have had other saddles on him and he still does it. He did it when I was trying him out but I just ignored the red flag.
I would put something tasty in front of him and see if he relaxes then. A friend has a small yellow tub of something that looks like a hard candy Lollypop in her wash stall. Horses hold very still while being bathed as they are focused on licking the tub. A bucket of alfalfa would probably do it, too.
Have you had him checked for ulcers? Sometimes that can cause a horse to be cinchy.
For the pulling back, I would work on ground work with this horse. Teach how NOT to panic when he is scared or feels trapped, and instead teach him to think it through. And pay attention more when he "sporadically " pulls back because there are usually red flags that a horse is about to do it.
Working on ground work will slso help you control his feet better while saddling. Yes, make sure your saddle is not causing him discomfort but YOU are the one in control of his feet.
Ground work such as, lunging, backing up, moving the HQ, shoulder. Anything else?
Yes those are good ground work but also desensitize. A rope around a leg, for example. Or around the flank. Umbrella near the head, etc. This horse needs to learn to not panic. If you don’t have experience with this, timing is everything so don’t hesitate to seek a trainer.
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post some pics of his back. Post pics of saddle on him. When you go to cinch push on him so he shifts his weight and holds himself or pushes against you, That shoud stop the cinchiness.
