Why Horses Balk and What to Do About It
Horses that balk usually refuse to move forward. Many school horses and kid’s ponies seem to have this frustrating behavior down to a fine art. The usual response by an inexperienced rider is to drum their heels on their horse's sides while pulling back and forth on the reins, frantically trying to get the pony to move forward. Many horses learn to completely ignore this.
It only takes some assertive seat and leg aids to send a horse down the trail, over a jump or past an object they think they are afraid of. Effective aids will work better than fussing and flapping, even though you probably feel quite frustrated when your horse balks. What you call it depends on what part of the world you're in.
Why Horses Balk
Horses balk for many reasons. Some may be nervous about certain situations and rather than spook and try to flee, they freeze. These horses lack confidence and need to be ridden by a rider that can they trust. A horse
may balk because they are feeling physical pain. Ponies especially often wear ill-fitting saddles or perhaps are foundered – a condition that will cause hoof pain. Poor saddle fit, teeth issues, vision problems, hoof pain and chiropractic issues may cause a horse to balk or spook. A horse may balk because you are giving it conflicting aids—pulling on the reins inappropriately while urging it on with your leg aids. Some horses, usually school horses, are bored by their work and use balking as a way to ignore the rider.
Most ponies are very clever, so once they learn they do not have to obey a young child, balking becomes their go-to response. Most horses don't balk because they are lazy. In many cases, it actually takes more energy to balk than to be obedient. Some people suggest backing up a balking horse up, but this may be a mistake, especially with a horse that may be inclined to rear. Simply pushing them forward is sometimes counterproductive. Unless your horse is very obedient, it may only resist more assertively.
