Why is your horse rearing?

Rearing is obviously a very dangerous habit and not a habit you want your horse to pick up. Firstly if you're handling a horse on the ground and the horse rears you may be jumped on, bumped, squashed, or the horse might strike out at you with a forefoot.

The news isn't better in the saddle either, when a horse rears there is a danger that he may not stop at vertical but go right over on top of you! The worst thing about rearing is that it's a problem that escalates and it does not get better on its own.

The causes

Rearing is caused by many things, and is usually in response to any of the following: Pain, confusion, in protest or because of a bad rider. The horse may also have learned that, when rearing, you will become frightened and that he can use it to get his own away.

You must check to see that the rearing is not being done because the horse is in pain. Check the back, and ensure that the saddle is fitted correctly to reduce any friction, have his teeth looked at and also check that none of the tack is pinching or irritating him.

If your horse is confused by your commands, then it will be forced to show its frustration through rearing. If you are driving him forwards with your legs but keeping a heavy hold on the reins, he will become confused easily, so use positive forward commands and give your horse the reins and time he needs to understand the commands you are giving.

Some horses simply protest at the slightest thing if they are not in the mood. This is behaviour which needs to be driven out of the horse, but sometimes rearing can be taught to the horse by a rider, and the horse simply rears to avoid being pulled in the mouth.

If you have checked the back, tack, teeth and your riding but the horse is still rearing then you need to keep investigating to find the cause. You may need a horse behaviourist if the rearing problem has been going on for a long time, or possibly a visit to the vets is in order in case the rearing is a sign of distress caused by something other than the tack.  

Animal Friends offers a wide range of comprehensive equine insurance. You can pick and choose policy details to suit the cover you need, so to find out more call our knowledgeable equine team on 0844 57 32 100 or email us at info@animalfriends.co.uk and ask how we can help your equine friend today.