When Horses Behave Badly

Often rider error is perceived to be the cause addressed by suggesting ways to change rider behaviour. In some cases consulting a veterinarian is suggested. However these negative and unwanted behaviours may actually be caused by something as simple as an improperly fitting saddle. A saddle that does not sit correctly impacts the reflex points and causes basic instinctive reactions in the horse rather than conscious behaviours.
Sometimes there are health reasons at the heart of negative behaviour such as illness or lameness. However before calling the vet consider investing in a simple diagnostic evaluation of your saddle. A qualified saddle fitter understands equine biomechanics and anatomy as well as the ramifications for your horse if the saddle does not fit properly.

It is widely accepted that horses do not consciously behave badly rather they react to outside stimuli. A variety of unwanted behaviours can be caused by a poorly fitting saddle or an incompetent or untrained rider or both. How and where a riders weight is carried on the horses back can make a huge difference to the horses comfort level and the horse can develop resistant or evasive behaviours when a riders aids are misunderstood or mishandled. Frustration mounts when a rider does not get what she is asking for and an unpredictable or dangerous situation could be the result. 
Some of these adopted behaviours become stereotypical. They are not vices as vices would infer that the horse is at fault instead their reactions are responses to an external stimulus such as a poorly fitting saddle. 
If the saddle puts pressure on the reflex points along the spine because of a gullet channel that is too narrow or the saddle twists during movement because of natural asymmetry the horse will reflexively lower its back to escape the pressure or pain. The goal to have the horse engage its back becomes unachievable. The forward impulse and momentum is lost the rider is out of balance and the horse becomes defensive and wont go on the bit. The result is a frustrating experience for both horse and rider. The horse would like to respond to the riders aids but the pressure on his reflex points inhibits his ability to do so.
Think about your own reflexes. Even when your doctor asks you to refrain from kicking out when he taps your patella your reflexes instinctively react with leg movement which you are unable