PROBLEMS ON THE TRAIL--NEED HELP!!!

I have a 4 yo spanish barb/quarter he is not over weight in anyway, he is very healthy although I do have him on shots for allergies. My problem is, everytime we go trail riding, which is 3 days a week, he starts out fine then after about 1/2 hour, he slows down to grandma mode then after about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, he is done. He stops and will not go, after fighting with him trying to get him to go for several minutes, I end up getting off and lead him back to the trailer, which then he walks just fine.
My husband rides our 7 yo spotted saddle and she can go for hours and doesn't even slow down any, unless we are leading of course.
We started trail with them last year, up until then, we just rode in our yard and that got real old after awhile. I could understand a bit more if we were just starting out, but he's been on trail rides a lot and should be used to it by now, I would think anyway. We do try to give them breaks once about every 1/2 hour or so but he gets antsie and wants to go.
Do anyone have any ideas on why he is doing this?? I check them both out after every ride and either of them have any heat or swelling. We have been going to quail hollow in Hartville Ohio and the trails there are not that demanding, some hills but nothing that steap. It take about 45 minutes to get there, then tack both of the up then just to ride for an hour or so, it would be great to ride for 2 1/2-3 hours.
Any help would be great. Thanks,
Teresa

Are you sure he's not in some sort of discomfort? Maybe your saddle starts to loosen up and starts slipping around after an hour or so. I think I would start evaluating your tack. I know Vida will stop dead and refuse to go forward if she is in any discomfort. I switched pads on her once (fleece to felt) she made it about an hour and that was that, she refused to go forward. That's very unusual for her so knew it was the pad. She wasn't sore, it was just irritating her. If he isn't breathing hard or just being a stinker, look to his tack. I know its frustrating to go through everything it takes to go for a nice trail ride and then have your horse not cooperate. Hope you get it figured out.

Excellent advice Vida! I saw this post last night and wanted to think about it. I was thinking tack as well.

I'm sorry to bring it up, but may be he's still too young (just 4 year old) for the long rides. Or he may be out of shape too. Can you just stick with 30-40 mins and kinda add other 5-10 mins every week to see whether he'll get any better?

It sounds to me like he's out of shape, just because he's not overweight doesn't mean he's in shape.... i'd lounge him more and gradually build up his endurance.... I don't think it's becuase he's too young..... we gradually build up colts (2-4y/o) and they can canter around the field nonstop for over half-an-hour....... I would lunge him for maybe 15 minutes the first day, and add maybe 2 minutes each day, and do the same w/ riding, go back to shorter rides and gradually work up with that too

All good advise. My thoughts are that after several weeks of 3 times per week he should be in better shape so I don't think it's that.

It could be his age but I am more inclined to think that trying to keep up with a gaited horse is wearing him out. Try going out with a non gaited horse and see if that makes a difference.

You have an additional problem now as well. You are creating the habit of stopping and being led back - he now knows how to get out of work and his stopping will begin to come sooner and sooner.

Interesting problem hmmm...
Maybe he gets bored? My horse does after a while, you said he's 4? My horse is 7 and he will get extremly bored and either stop, try to eat and walk(resulting in a trip or fall ) kick up his heels, or make some kind of noise just to see the reaction lol
Or like the others said he could be annoyed at something with his tack, maybe it slips around a bit and makes it uncomfortable,
He could be thirsty? Maybe?
There are so many different possiblities, just try to pay extra attention and locate the issue
Good luck!!!