3, Now you want to try to draw his feet backwards one at a time. Just pull the left rein cluck. If he tries to go forward, pull the right rein and cluck. Make sure he stays soft. He might have started to draw backwards before now. If he does, make sure you release and let him soak for a minute to let him know he did right. If he hasn't stepped back yet, just continue until you can pick up one foot at a time and bring them back, then release. It usually doesn't take long before they put their head down and draw back real nice.
When you have him to where you can lead him all around the pen backwards in those drive lines and he stays soft, you can just do the same thing from the saddle and see what you've got.
If this process doesn't help, he might be sore in his back or hocks. Or, he might have a fear of backing into the box. I've seen that too. Hope this helps! Richard
Replied on How cold is it where you are?
Dec 24 at 12:11 PM
That's us too. 7 this morning!