Why Won't He Move?

Balky horses have reasons for their behavior. Here’s how to recognize root causes and overcome the different varieties of balkiness.

- Jonathan Field, With Jennifer Von Geldern

IF YOU’RE LIKE MOST HORSE PEOPLE, you’ve encountered a balky horse or two. When it happens, though, do you know what’s causing the behavior and how to handle it? There are actually various causes of balkiness, each requiring a different approach.

Using insight I’ve gleaned from working with countless horses at clinics, I’ll explain the different forms of balkiness I’ve identified, explore what causes the behavior, and show you how to overcome it. Physical pain can cause a reluctance to move, but once a veterinarian has ruled that out, there are three key types of balkiness—herd-bound, lack of confidence, and rider-induced.

I’ll discuss each in turn.

Herd-Bound

Behavior: Your horse resists leaving the barn or a herdmate. He hates moving away from things he enjoys or finds comfort in. At some point during a ride, he may plant his feet and refuse to be ridden any farther from the place or horse he’s drawn to. Even if he doesn’t completely plant his feet, he may walk slower going away from home than he does returning home, even zigzagging to try to linger there. It may even be difficult to control his speed on the way home, a danger connected to this type of balkiness.

Cause: His mind and attention remain at home even though he’s being ridden physically away from home. He’s so preoccupied with staying home or returning there that any ride you do get from him will be difficult and potentially dangerous.