At one time or another all horses rear. It can happen to your horse that has been your companion for many years or it can happen with a young colt that is just learning to be led around the pasture. Finding out the reason for your horse's rearing is the core for stopping the behavior.

Your horse will rear for a number of reasons but the number one reason is fear. A horse is psychologically wired to be a prey animal and is always on the alert for other animals and situations that can cause him harm. His base response to any threat whether real or perceived is to rear and run.

Another factor in rearing can be pain. It can be something as simple as a bit that is causing him pain that is causing your horse to rear back when you approach him. He has started to associate you putting a bridal on him with pain. His reaction is to rear in an attempt to make you retreat. A less common factor in rearing is simply a test of dominance. Your horse is challenging you for the position of top horse.

When your horse rears, it is dangerous for you. Knowing how to react to a rearing horse can save you from injury and possibly your life. If your horse rears when on a lead, drop the lead and get away. Put yourself behind his shoulders and out of range of being hit by his front legs. Do not hang onto the reigns, it can be interpreted as an attack and cause your horse to lash out or bolt. Instead, put yourself out of harm's way and talk to your horse in a calm voice until he begins to calm down and pay attention. As soon as he is on the ground again, get your horse to move forward as a walking horse cannot rear. Unless it is a bit that is causing the rearing, the rearing incident is probably finished.

Another situation you might find yourself in is that your horse begins to rear when you're riding him. The first thing you want to do is put all your body weight forward and let the reigns go slack. You do not want to pull back on the reigns as it can cause your horse to fall and you run the risk of serious injury if a thousand-plus pound horse falls on you. To break the rearing, the first time your horse's front legs hit the ground, give him a cue to move forward and many horses will listen. Once again, a moving horse cannot rear so you may be back in control of the situation. Walk your horse until you feel he is calm and then examine his bit, cinch and other accessories to make sure none are causing rubbing or pain. In either case, praise your horse when he listens and follows commands.

Be prepared to deal with a rearing horse and if the situation happens to you, you'll know the best course of action to take to ensure neither you nor your horse are injured.