[horselover2005]

How do u teach a horse whoa means whoa? When I ground work my horse he does stop when I stay whoa, he also does it when I lounge him. But he doesn't get it when I'm on his back. I bet I'm doing something wrong. I need help

[Cowgirl2135]

EVERYTIME you stop him, say WHOA and act like you mean it!

[indiekisses985]

Like cowgirl said, everytime you stop him, emphasize woah. Use the reins, too, not just verbal commands. After you get him used to the word "woah" then try not using anything and just firmly repeating "woah". Always say it in the same voice or your horse will be confused.

[KellyJean]

In my opinion, your horse doesn't really know what whoa means.

It's coincidence that they stop for you on the ground and when you're lunging. It's probably your body language that's making them stop, but they aren't connecting the word "whoa" with the action of stopping. When you're riding, they don't see your body language (or you aren't giving the same body single) and so they don't know what you want.

Kelly

[Blistering Winds]

Does he stop if you don't move and say WHOA? All my horses do. I can be picking mynose and just shout out WHOA and they stop.

When they are doing this, it is safely time to ride. (meaning everything else is in place...age..etc)

they do get confused during hte intial steps. As they have pressure ontheir back, their sides, etc. Biggest thing is teaching them when you pull back on the reins and ask with the bit, you say whoa. Sometimes you have to pump them to a stop. Eventually theyget the idea.

I take it this is a newly in training horse? If so, have you thought about sending him off for training?

[riding_reaper]

Try spinning him when he doesnt listen like that. He will eventually get it.

[sdl1up]

Sounds like something is not getting through if he will stop when you are on the ground but not in the saddle. Keep up the ground work and have someone watch you. Maybe they can pick up on what is different. Sometimes the tone of your voice is a lot different in the saddle, or you are giving them a cue that you are not aware of from the ground. If none of our ideas work for you, I would get some additional help as this is a cue you do not want misunderstood or ignored.

[horselover2005]

thanks for all of the info. I hope he will get it soon, it is not safe to ride a horse that does not stop.

[Cowgirl2135]

Any horse know how to stop, some are not taught correctly.

[horselover2005]

well my horse I suppose would be that. I just wanted to clear something up. My horse does stop on the ground and in the saddle, just in the saddle I have to have a little contact with his mouth( not like hard pulling or anything). I just wanted to know how I could teach him to whoa on a loose rien. I should had wrote a little more clearer.