[Jinxedlace]

So before I send jinx's little butt to the trainer id like to give it one more shot.

My 5yo mustang gelding is horribly arena sour. I mean bad. He wont canter away from the barn and barely wants to jog. He doesnt do this at shows, on trails, or outside of the arena (literally, outside. like cantering around the arena). The only way i can get him to have some energy in there is if i set up some jumps. Is there anything I can do to make this better? im going to take dressage lessons with him, and tbh, im a little embarrassed when he does this . any advice? ive tried riding with spurs, without spurs, saddle change, bit change, ect. everything. Should I go ahead with the dressage lessons?

[BriLeigh]

You mention spurs, but have you tried a whip? Spurs reinforce the lateral movement, not the forward. The whip reinforces the go. Some lessons will be very helpful though and I would strongly encourage it for the help.

[TitansFable]

I think the lessons will be VERY helpful. Your teacher will be able to give you some advice on how to get him to move forward from the hind end. And I also would suggest riding with a whip if he's not overly sensitive to it.

I don't have any tips, really, to get him moving out in the arena, but deffinately go ahead with the lessons.

[rizzodm]

Maybe he is bored, dressage will definatley help.

Dawn

[BlazinTrails]

Originally Posted by rizzodm

Maybe he is bored, dressage will definatley help.

Dawn

Sounds like the horse is bored with the flats and is wanting some type of mind stimulation.

Change your routine up some with cavalletti's, barrels, serpentines, side passes, shoulder in, circles, bends and etc. Change your routine up.

You could also ride with a crop to encourage him to move forward or even the lead off the halter to encourage the forward movement.

[Jinxedlace]

A crop doesnt faze him at all. Im going to go ahead with the lessons, and take him on trails more. hes def. bored. Ill try some new things with him. thanks for the help!