Unfortunately, slow horses are about as common as fast horses, and many times the horse's lack of energy is due to age or illness. However, for riders who own lazy horses, it is sometimes just a matter of finding the right combination of cues.
Check for Illness or Injury
Before riders try energizing a sluggish horse, it is important to first check for illnesses or injuries. If the horse is in pain or is suffering from some type of infection, trying to speed him up will only exacerbate the problem.
The most common pathological reasons why a rider can't speed up slow horses are:
- Bruised or injured hooves
- Inflammation of the knee or hock
- Back and hip injuries
- Colic
- EPM (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis)
It is easiest to rule out these issues before energizing a sluggish horse. If a rider knows that there is nothing physically wrong with the horse, it will be much easier to focus on training and behavioral issues.
Getting the Blood Flowing
When energizing a sluggish horse, the first step is to get the blood flowing. Some slow horses are simply tough to get going, but will perk up once they've engaged in the work. Some riders will find it easiest to lunge their slow horses before riding, which takes some of the effort out of creating energy.
It is also a good idea to work on transitions with a sluggish horse. Start out at a walk, then gradually work up to an extended walk, using alternating leg pressure to send the horse forward. Once the horse is warmed up, ask for an energetic trot, and work on extending the trot until it feels nice and forward.
Riders can also try a bit of hand gallop during warm-up to get the slow horse's blood flowing. When working in an arena, use the long sides for a hand gallop, then shorten back to a canter on the corners and short sides.
Creating Enthusiasm
For some lazy horses, it is simply a matter of boredom. If the rider isn't challenging the horse to attain new goals and accomplish new tasks, a sluggish horse will simply march through his paces with no enthusiasm.
When warming up and during the subsequent warm-up, give the sluggish horse something to focus on. It might be serpentines at the trot and canter, cavalletti, small jumps or lateral work. Create enthusiasm for work by engaging the mind as well as the body.
Instilling Sensitivity
Some riders are far too heavy-handed with their cues, and consequently have dulled their horses to commands. If a sluggish horse simply doesn't respond to repeated commands, he might feel as though he's being nagged. He's used to his rider kicking, pulling, clucking and pushing, so he doesn't react.
For this type of sluggish horse, it is necessary to create more sensitivity. This means lightening the hands and seat while going easy with the heels. The rider should make sure he or she is only using aids when a specific response is desired; otherwise, the lazy horse is actually just confused.
It can take time and significant re-training to condition slow horses into energetic creatures. However, most riders want responsive, forward-moving horses, so the effort will be worth it for the end result.
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