thanks!!

I went back to on the ground work and have him walking and trotting on voice commands much better now. i plan to do a few more sessions of this then take the voice commands and see where we can get with riding.

 yes he does have avery good breaks and flex's real nicely. i wouldnt feel comfortable enoiugh taking him out on our trails just yet (expecially with hunters and harvestors out right now) but i will get him out into the arena.

Thats the stuff!!! It is too bad that horses like yours are labled "lazy".  I had a horse very much like yours. She was very difficult to move forward also.  She had alot more whoa than go. Horses like that process the stimulus or ques that you give them inward or as an introvert. They are not stupid, or lazy but they are difficult to motivate. They are opposite of  the horses that will bolt and runaway with you when you cough or sneeze. The key to motivating a horse like yours is to do something differnt everyday. They become bored with the same thing repeated everyday. Stay away from that kind of stuff. This time of year is probably not the best time to go out away from circles and the arena, but that is really the key.  It keeps their minds fresh and interested and most important...moving forward!!!!

ueprez:

Do you like to be called names?  Don't refer to your horse as lazy.

 WOW I must be a horrible horse owner.  I call my horses names all the time  In fact Missy's nickname is Fat Girl.  Maybe I should just call her weight challenged.  Do you think she would feel better if I did?

Amber I'm glad i'm not the only one who jokes about calling our horses names,,, lets seee...

 (BO's mare) Splash is "Witch"

Fantacy's "Old man" well he's 29

CB is "psycho" spooks at just about anything if it moves lol.

Riley's -"lazy" but thats okay with me for now. i would rather him be lazy while i get to know him.

Moe (boarder horse) is "chicken ***" lol his owner gave him that nickname while in training

the list keeps going and going. Its nothing mean, my horses don't seem to care.

Also No Riley update yet. i havnt gotten to work him its been raining everyday i have off of work or college. :(

 What your horse is doing is EXTREMELY common in young horses (and starting young horses IS my expertise).  Often times a young horse (even with some basic training) is simply insecure and lacks the confidence to move foreward freely under saddle.  Whatever you do, don't kick on him!  It will dull his sides.  use a split rein to tap him on the rump, or maybe have an experienced friend lunge you from the ground or provide some assistance in that manner.  continue to put wet saddle blankets on him and keep gently encouraging him foreward, do lots of turning left and right, praise for reacting correctly, etc.  Sometimes smacking your leg or his rump with your open palm does the trick as well.  If he still isn't improving after several weeks of working with him 4 days or more a week then it is time to consult a professional trainer, look into nutrition and diet, and soundness.