The No-Go Colt

Our almost three year old MFT is completely bombproof, leads well, responds to whoa, and does not mind a saddle, reins or rider. This is the first real problem we have had with him. Last week we decided really ride him for the first time, I got on and my Dad led him around a bit, all good; but when I try to get him going forward myself no amount of nudging, clicking, kicking or even a little slap on the rump would get him moving. My Dad comes back and he leads him around easily. Also this last week I have had some him lead him forward every time I nudge and click just to give him the idea, still nothing. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Make him go.

That's all the advice you need. If that involves getting a dressage whip and popping him a good one, then that's what he needs. One of the most dangerous habits a horse can have is to no go forward--because it can stem into SO many problems.

Best to do what you have to now to instill in him that is not an option.

It sounds to me like he's just used to being led around, and doesn't understand that when there's not a person next to him, he still needs to move.

I agree just make him move his butt. Be prepared for some takeoffs the first couple times till he learns to just walk forward calmly.

^^^^^This

Do you have a voice cue for go forward on the ground? If not, might be worth teaching him - I use a tongue click - And then transferring it to the saddle to make what you want a bit clearer. Also teach him from the ground that a whip tap on his barrel = go forward - it will equate with your leg when you get on.

Yes he needs to learn the voice commands on the lunge and then transfer it to riding. This is not uncommon you need to get more aggressive in urging him forward

You should rethink your definition of bombpoof. As for the rest of your problem, one of the problems with amatuer horse trainers is that they desensitize things to death. You have to make him uncomfortable enough that he will move. You don't have to get too crazy about that just do enough to get him to move.

My voice commands are clicking from walk to trot and smooching from trot to lope. He responds to those on the ground, but not in the saddle. I'll try the make him go slap with a dressage whip and I'll try your idea Kevin. It really did not take much to get him as bombproof as he is, I have yet to see him spooked by anything. Not one spook, that I've seen, in the entire year we've had him. Thanks for all the advice!

Alright, I just got back for giving him a 10 minute ride in the corral. I tried the dressage whip. It when sorta like this. Click, pressure with legs,smack,smack smack with the dressage whip few steps repeated..... So some progress. What do you mean by uncomfortable Kevin?

He means exactly what he said....its more of what 'uncomfortable' means for your horse. Some horses find being tapped with a whip 'uncomfortable'. Others need to feel like they really are going to die if they don't move.