Jigging Horses

Don't like your horse jigging- don't let it!

One of the most frustrating things for riders is a horse that jigs!

For most horses jigging is easily fixed, for others though it can take quite a while of consistent, patient training.

The first thing I do is ask myself, "why is the horse jigging?"

Reasons could be

-Nervous in new situation

-Rider has reins too tight

-Horse is in pain

-Rider has a tense seat

-Other horses are emotional

-The horse feels rushed

Before I try to 'fix' the horse, I fix myself, I make sure I am relaxed and that my reins are not so tight that they are causing my horse to feel coiled up. I always make sure my gear fits my horse well and that there is no pain any where. I then consider the intensity of the reasons why it jigs. I always work on the problem in an area where the horse feels safest- e.g. NOT out on a trek with 5 other horses!

One thing I might try is:

Step 1: Make sure my horse stands still while I mount (see blog for tips on how to fix this)

Step 2: Walk on a loose rein

Step 3: As soon as the horse starts to jig turn it in small circles until it comes to a stop

Step 4: As soon as the horse stops let the reins back out to a loose rein

Step 5: If the horse walked off without being asked repeat the steps

Step 6: Continue the steps repeatedly every time the horse jigs

Success Tips

-Make sure your horse can flex its head left and right (see blog: Lateral Flexion)

-Do not pull hard and fast (this will scare the horse)

-Be patient- this can take ages to fix
-Have the horse keep his head turned around once you have stopped him (like in photo), before you give the reins back to him. This way you are checking he has committed to stopping.

-If you are stuck ask for help

This is one idea, it will not work for all horses, but it is one place to start!