Anyone have this problem before? One of my horses is a 16 year old retired rope horse. He always had to be in the lead. Now he doesn't really even want to be in the line up. He is more happy just clip clopping along.

He always checks out fine. He has some worn out old knees but vet checks just fine and is one some great supplements. Don't get me wrong get him around some cows for a sorting or a little feed lot roping and He will go all day.

Maybe he is just bored with the whole I need to lead thing. He has no problem getting back to the barn when we knows there may be a little feed there.

Watcha all think?

I think your horse has figured out that he doesn't have to do 90 miles an hour all the time. That he can slow down and enjoy life so to speak. The best thing for any horse is to have multiple jobs in different disciplines. It is good for a horse that has an arena job to get out on the trail and learn to slow things down a bit.

I ride western normally but, Now that it is about 110 degrees here during the day, I have taken to riding in the late evenings and have taken my 27 year old trail horse and have started riding him in an english saddle and doing some arena exercises. He was not sure at first with such a light saddle on his back and so much contact with me. But I think he is enjoying it more than my western saddle.

That was my thought pattern also. PC, thanks for the input just wanted to make sure he was not doing something unusual.

Appreciate it.

i think PC is right too. the thing is, as long as he is keeping the speed you dictate it's fine. i have known a couple horses that start some respect issues with there rider when the are setting there own pace. out on the trail it can be irritating to me personally if the horse will lag back of the group, then realize he's all alone and then break into a trot to catch up. i have seen it get to the point to where the horse will plod along trying to steal a snack off the trailside whenever he can. nothing aggervates me more than seeing a horse plodding along with some vegetation hanging out of the side of his mouth. it can get to the point to where there not paying attention to where there going and that can lend to some dangerous situations.

i would say as long as he's got his mind right and he's responsive to you, then i wouldn't worry none to much about it. if you can put him up front, in the middle, or at the back, and moves at the speed you want, then there's no need for concern.


happy trails,

clint

Just think of it as he is testing out the retirement waters. Time to let the younger ones take the lead. Horses usually tend to react and act the same as humans. Put yourself in his position. Getting older and time to enjoy himself.

jax