Leg pressure on your horse

[jheninger]

My question is an odd one. I have a horse that is INCREDIBLY sensitive to my legs. This is with or without spurs. So much that when I provide any kind of pressure he gets very upset swishing his tail and throwing his head in frustration. I am concerned it is because we used our legs too much when we broke him many moons ago.  He also doesn't like a stiff hard brush which makes me think maybe he is just really sensitive.  Is there anything I can do to "desensitize" him to my legs? It is a big issue when doing slow work because of the frustration he feels. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks so much!


-Jennifer

[Bob Gould]

Jennifer,

Your horse may just be overly sensitive but I would be inclined to have him
checked by an equine chiropractor to see if he needed some adjustments in
order to feel more comfortable.  He could have some problems with saddle
fit, or possible pain in the area of his ribs and withers that would cause
him to act like you are describing.

Martha Wright