⚠️ Horse Rearing Vet Guide 2025 by Dr Duncan Houston

Welcome to this thorough guide on rearing in horses, authored by veterinarian Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. Rearing can be dangerous for horse and rider alike. This resource explores causes, emergency safety responses, training protocols, rider technique, veterinary evaluation, and long‑term prevention strategies. 🐴🔍

1. Why Horses Rear

Rearing is a complex behavior that can emerge due to pain, fear, confusion, frustration, or dominance, and may appear as a defense, communication, or avoidance strategy ([Wikipedia](#)) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Common triggers include:

• Pain/discomfort: from ill‑fitting saddle, bit pressure, dental issues, back pain, or hoof problems :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Fear or anxiety: in response to startling stimuli or confusion :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Training confusion: mixed aids, pressured cues, or novice errors :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Dominance/disrespect: the horse pushes boundaries or gains control :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Energy surplus or boredom: idle horses with excess energy may rear out of exuberance :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

2. Safety First: Rider Response During a Rear

If your horse begins to rear:

• Lean forward and stay centered—don't lean back, or you risk flipping :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Loosen reins—don’t pull back, which worsens the issue by shifting balance :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Slide down if necessary—balance on the neck, then dismount safely :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Encourage movement immediately after landing—circle or forward motion breaks the habit :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

3. Veterinary & Tack Evaluation

Always rule out physical causes:

• Conduct a full vet & dentist exam to identify pain sources :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Check saddle fit, girth tightness, bit severity, and hoof soundness :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Address any detected soreness or dental issues—without this step, training may make rearing worse.

4. Training & Rider Technique Improvements

Enhance your toolbox with these methods:

• Soft and clear aids: avoid mixed reinforcement—do not apply pressure and release inconsistently :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Forward motion: teach the horse to keep moving—more pressure drives the issue, whereas moving forward extinguishes it :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Yield hindquarters: disengage the hind end to disrupt rearing mechanics :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Circles and direction changes: mental/physical distraction that breaks the pattern :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Groundwork-first: reteach respect and responsiveness via lunging and groundwork before re-saddling :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Desensitization for fear-based: progressive exposure to triggers in a controlled manner :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Retrain the rider: a nervous rider can provoke rearing; professional coaching helps :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

5. When to Seek Professional Help

Rearing is hazardous. If inexperienced:

• Engage a qualified trainer with groundwork expertise before proceeding.
• Work with your veterinarian to monitor response to training and address any setbacks :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Teach handlers safe ground protocols—leading from the side and using chain/bridle with care :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.

6. Long-Term Prevention & Lifestyle Adjustments

• Regular check-ups to catch early pain or discomfort :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Consistent and balanced exercise—avoid boredom or inhibited energy release :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Maintain proper tack fit and safe environmental conditions.
• Monitor rider progress and horse response during training.
• Use positive reinforcement—reward forward, calm responses.

7. Summary Table

🔚 Final Thoughts

Rearing is rarely a random act—it often signals pain, fear, confusion, or learned avoidance. The solution begins with ruling out physical causes, then implementing structured groundwork, rider refinement, and professional oversight. When approached early with veterinary support and consistent training, many horses can overcome rearing and return to reliable, confident partnership.

Need guidance on a rearing horse? Our **Ask A Vet** team is here for vet checklists, training protocols, equipment reviews, and rider coaching referrals. Download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 support on keeping you and your horse safe and connected. 🌟