Horse's attitude problem

Iceman, Can you get some media to study? Clinton Anderson has a very good book which isn't very pricey as does Marty Martens.. http://westernhorseman.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=355&Itemid=109 and Problem solving II
I have Problem Solving I and Clintons book.. Both are very easy to follow with diagrams and good pictures as well as easy to read instructions.

Where about do you live?

I'd be glad to send you some emails about how to do groundwork with a novice horse, I'll go through it step by step with you. Also maybe some tips on how to get to understand what your horse is telling you, whether he is spoiled or he disrespects you, or whether he is in pain. Please send me an email.

email: jdun722@aol.com

I would be careful with free lunging him first, but I would definitely establish control on the ground before riding him.

Get a well fitted halter and lead. Teach him to back, move forward, sideways, etc. This can establish respect as well. Free lunging I worry about because you say you are a novice rider. A lot of times novice riders paired with novice horses just end up on being a big chase. Also, depending on the horse, I have seen horses get sort of aggressive when free lunging and they will attempt to come into the middle, pin their ears, kick, etc. It's just them attempting to dominate you (which it sounds like he is the dominate one here), but it can be intimidating to an inexperienced rider.

Do you have any friends who are a bit more comfortable with horses? You don't need a professional trainer (Even though it would be ideal) but a more experienced rider may be beneficial.

Also, books, DVDs, movies, etc. That way you can SEE things happen and know better if you are getting the right response.

Like everyone else said do a lot of lunging and ground work to make him respect you. If he thinks you are below him he won't take kindly to you telling him what to do. It's the same as a random 5 year old kid coming up to you and ordering you to do something. Of course you won't listen. When he bites or kicks he's showing dominance and saying he won't do that because you can't tell him what to do. It's him putting you in your place, but the exact opposite needs to happen.

Try to get a way to see how to lounge effectively. There are even some good videos on youtube on lounging and other ground work exercises to help build respect. A horse that doesn't respect you is not only no fun, but dangerous as well.

youtube is a good place to go to watch others doing ground work on their horses. some are poorly shot and you wont be able to tell exactly what the person is doing. find some where you can see the person and the horse. I learned that way...but I watched the videos, went and tried it then had to come back and watch it again because I wasnt doing it right. I really think I am now...its working anyway. pay close attention to what the person is doing with their hands, their feet and where they are in relation to the horse when they are asking him to move or change directions.

He definately needs an attitude adjustment, if you are a novice horseperson you may not be the one to do it.

Ground work comes first, if he's not 100% repectful and responsive from the ground you should not be getting onto his back. Think of a school kid, if you don't complete the 1st grade you'll be frustrated and lost in the 2nd grade. A horse that hasn't completed the ground work 100% will be frustrated and crabby under saddle.

If you are going to try it yourself get a video from Clinton Anderson or one of the other 'natural horsesmanship' clinitians. (Don't fall for the gimics, if they say you need to buy THEIR halters, bits, bridles, carrot stick, or anything other than the video they are showmen, not clinitians). And remember, if you are lunging, you are driving the horse off, you are not chasing it.

Personally, I would suggest you get an older more experienced horse. A novice rider needs an experienced horse to show them the joys of horse ownership.