Hey guys, my first post!

So My boyfriend has just purchased his very own horse... Rodeo! The ex racing standardbred, He's well out of his racing years, as he is 14 now. But every time we seem to get on this horse, he seems to be stuck in reverse! This horse will only go backwards if he isn't following one of his buddies, And when you ask him to go forward, he kicks out his back foot. He's amazing on the ground, and I know that pushing a horse forward when they are backing up gives them the good position to rear, and I'd know, he's tried!

I have been thinking of putting him on the lunge line with someone on him, and whenever he backs up, I would urge him forward. Is this a good idea? Or will this just tempt him to rear again?

Any advice would be awesome, thanks

sounds like this isn't Roedo's first rodeo. (LOL sorry, couldnt help it :P ) Really though, he is backing up as an avoidance technique. It could be that something in Rodeo hurts when being ridden and instead of bucking or kicking, he backs up to avoid going forward. Especially being and ex-racer, have him vetted first. If he check out then this is probably his way of avoiding work. Since he's probably been beaten up for this before, (as evidence by the backing) i would avoid trying to force him into it. The lunge line is a good idea but i would not put anyone on his back to begin with. Also try this: Start by asking him to walk. When he backs up incorrectly (when you ask him to go forward) chance your cue to a back-up cue and back him in a circle with his head bent slightly to the inside and a slight curve through his body.
Horses can only rear when their hind quarters are locked, a horse cant lock up in the rear while moving in a circle and most of the time will only rear with a straight head and locked jaw.

Back up one circle to start with. Stop, relax, breathe. Ask for a walk again. If (when) he refuses, change your cue to back-up and back you circle again. Stop, relax, breathe. Ask for a walk again. If (when) he takes those first couple steps forward, lavish praise. DONT ask for anything but a walk for awhile. Part of his issue may be a fear of hard labor so take it easy and make riding enjoyable for him again.

Good luck! keep us posted!

I did this and he listened well, we actually got him to go forward for quite a while, and each time he tries to fight and back up, the fights get easier and he gives up more willingly. Thanks so much!

Great!! so glad it worked!

People usually think that horse is the most obedient animal in the world. Probably not, I think.
If you don't know him quite well, say you just purchase him lately, you'll find it difficult to follow you. But I guess the dressage is the most interesting thing in Equestrian show. You 're amazed to see the rider control the pace and step so wonderfully and marvel at his skills.

HAHAHA, yeah, Knight if you'd met Jack you'd say horses DEFINITELY aren't the most obedient animals. I'm glad Rodeo is responding well! Of course, I have no experience with ex-racing standies, but if they're anything like OTTBs he probably hasn't had the greatest and most complete training under saddle. Sounds like he has a good soul though, hope he continues to improve!