Give your horse directives the moment you're in his presence and insist
that he comply to remind him that you're in charge.
Insist that he stand perfectly still while you mount. Don't allow him to walk off the moment your feet are in the stirrups; make him wait until you cue him forward. Once mounted, immediately set him to work by directing him to the rail. Make circles, change directions, insist that he go all the way into the corners of the arena. He should quickly and willingly move forward into a walk, jog or lope when you cue him, and only break gait when you ask.
Don't compromise. The sooner you convey--or remind--him who's boss,
the better you're going to get along and the more fun you'll have on the trail.
This article originally appeared in the April 2009 issue of Horse & Rider magazine.
