Bitter barn horses are unpleasant and dangerous to handle. They usually become this way by getting away with this type of behavior or by not being taken away from home or friends for a long time. They don’t want to leave the barn or their friends behind and will most likely run home. These horses are usually fine with other animals on the trail and away from home, but you just can’t get them to go solo for nothing.
What you do to fix this problem will largely depend on the magnitude of the problem; Is the horse dangerous? Does he try to run back to his stall or pasture no matter what gets in his way? If he does any of these things, he needs an immediate reprimand. These problems can be resolved by walking or riding the horse away from home, and if you think he is going to run back to the barn or to your friends and you are riding and are afraid of hurting yourself, dismount and carry him home by hand. It can’t run if you’re leading it. If he tries to run while you’re carrying him, use your weight as leverage and push back against his shoulder. Or, if you want to be able to get him home, stay mounted, but circle him every time he tries to run. His bad behavior will wear off soon, especially if you circle him every time he tries to dash home. Circling a horse always forces it to listen to you; and he can’t run if he’s pushed against his shoulder for leverage and around him at the same time, or if you’re riding him in a tight circle.
If he’s just pack-bound and hates leaving his friends, try moving him away from home a mile or so every day and it will eventually become a normal routine; Try to do it at the time you usually ride so that he associates leaving the house with riding time. Once the horse is calm on the trail being driven, try to saddle up and ride on the trail; If he goes back to his old behavior, dismount and force him to walk beside you. Try talking to him if you’re mounting him and he doesn’t want to move on, that will surely comfort him because then he’ll know he’s not alone. Using all of these techniques will usually fix your sour horse in the stable or herd.