What is his under saddle training background? How many times per week is he ridden? Without knowing more, it sounds like he's not getting enough work and is taking things into his own hands.

 

Have you changed saddles? Bits? (You mentioned using a hackmore and a snaffle; did this help any?) Has his normal work schedule changed? Has he been on long break (two week plus) without riding? Pinching girth? Any signs of pain?

Rearing has many causes.

 

That may be the problem. He was out to pasture for the winter. I guess I will try again tomorrow. Do you think a tie down should be used.

 

Tie down? Not if you want him to flip over next time he has a tantrum. Slow and steady, calm assertive daily work, W/T/C. If you feel uncomfortable working with him for the first week or so, please get a trainer to help you. Sounds like this horse just needs to be reminded who is in charge and what is expected of him. If I had the winter off, I'd be full of heck too.

 

No. that is just a temporary fix. get a trainer. If the horse is determined to rear, the tiedown will throw him off balence.

 

I have tried three different saddles, two snaffle bits and a hackamore. He has been used as a family playday horse for the last six years but I think they let him do whatever he wanted to. I am riding him every day, sometimes every other day. I do not understand because he was ridden by adults as well as kids before I got him. He does get along with the other horses and he is really good unless he decides that he does not want to do something that he is ask. Most of the time he does it is when I am trying to make him turn around after we have been standing still. Once I get him going he is normally fine. Do you have any suggestions? Do you think a tiedown will help?

 

No to the tie down. You need to rule out all sources of pain first and foremost.

 

for once, I agree with SPirithorse.
not that it will ever happen again........lol

 

I won't let you forget it thunderhooves! lol. jk.

 

If it all started sudden I'd say pain. I'd check his back first.

 

I am going to co-sign with checking for pain. Have you had his teeth looked at/floated lately?

 

horses tend to move toward pain. when my mare (who was super quiet, calm and easy going) reared, we found out (through ultrasounds) that she had a previous poll injury, and there was a lot of scar tissue in the area and the injury was causing pain. if possible, i would have a vet check out his head and neck.

and pleeeeease be super careful. i have seen too many people life flighted because a horse flipped over on top of them.