How to Stop Rearing in Horses

If your horse rears, you're in danger of being unseated, fallen on, or struck, and the horse may lose its balance, falling and injuring itself. A horse that rears while hitched to a carriage can fall on the driver and passengers, cause injury to itself, and destroy equipment and objects around it.

Once a horse learns this behavior as a way to avoid work or express frustration, it's difficult to stop. If you’re a beginner rider, it would be extremely dangerous to try to solve this problem yourself. Instead, you'll need to find a professional who can help you.

Why Do Horses Rear?

It's essential to understand why your horse is rearing before attempting to eliminate the behavior. Before considering any other causes, think about the possibility of physical problems. Soreness from a poor saddle or harness fit and overgrown teeth are common problems that can make a horse act out.

• Girths: Poorly placed or too-tight girths or cinches may make your horse cranky.
• Health issues: A veterinarian may be able to help you find physical problems.
• Dental or vision problems: Have a professional check for painful dental problems and vision problems. A horse whose teeth are bothering it or one that can't see properly may rear as a way of expressing panic.
• Poor training: After checking that equipment is comfortable and there's no physical reason your horse is rearing, consider whether there are gaps in your horse’s training that could cause it to be frustrating, confused, or overwhelmed by what you're asking it to do.

Under- or overstimulation: Is your horse eating too much grain and not getting enough exercise to burn off the energy? A horse that spends most of its time out in a pasture will be less likely to blow off excess steam by rearing, bolting, or bucking. A horse that's bored with its routine may act out too.

What to Do If Your Horse Rears

Most often a horse will give some indication, such as balking, that a rear is coming, which allows you a few seconds to plan your next move. Sometimes, however, there's no time to react.

If a horse rears while you're riding, keep your weight forward and centered and try your best to lean into his neck to keep your balance over the horse's center of balance when he's on two feet. Don't pull on the reins because you could pull the horse’s head back further, causing it to lose its balance and fall backward.