Ridecamp: [RC] re: horses that kick

I've had one horse who was a bit horse aggressive and
I hated riding her (she is not in endurance anymore -
not because of her kicking tho).
I did have her under complete control.  I could feel
her body move and I knew when she was going to swing
that butt over and take a swipe.  
After taking dressage lessons on her,  all I had to do
was put a leg on her and her butt moved back over so
fast - I actually got alot of compliments on how I
moved her about.
But,  she was NOT a joy to ride because I always had
to start her at the back and just keep her away from
other horses as much as possible.

Now,  when starting new young ones - they might kick
because they are insecure and afraid.  
Still not an excuse but,  it can happen.  What I do
there is start them at the back and if someone comes
up from behind in the beginning,  (red ribbon
sometimes means nothing to some people and I NEVER,
NEVER just rely on that) I will watch every move and
my surroundings and tell whoever is behind me, "this
is a young,  new horse starting out and he might get
kicky if he feels threatend from behind."  If it is
not possible for them to pass,  I tell them to just
keep a safe distance til we come to an area to pass. 
If there is room for me to get over,  I stop mine and
get off the trail and let the others pass and make
sure the butt end is turned away from the trail.
It gets kind of stressful if you're trying to bring up
a young one and you have rude people basically
breathing up your butt and pushing you off the trail.
I've had that happen to me several times.
If people are downright rude and just push and ram
their horse into mine trying to pass because they want
to be ahead of me and if mine kicks at them - they
deserve what they get.
I always ask people, "up on your right/left,  is it ok
to pass you?"
I just expect the same treatment in return.
Cindi

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