How to Lead a Horse Safely

Leading a horse the right way will keep both you and the horse safe.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Catch your horse.

2. 

   Put a halter on your horse.

3. 

   Hold the lead rope in your right hand approximately 12 to 18 inches below the clasp. Hold the remainder of the lead rope in your left hand.

4. Walk your horse from the near (left) side.

5. Leave at least a foot or so between you and the horse.

6. Keep your shoulder between the horse's shoulder and its head.

7. Cluck, kiss or tell your horse to "Walk."

8. Look forward as you walk, don't look at your horse (it is a sign of aggression that may scare the horse or make him move away).

9. Tug on the lead rope if the horse walks faster or tries to walk away.

10. 

    Tell your horse to "Whoa" periodically to make sure he is paying attention. Do not let him walk off; make him stop. Pat and praise him to reinforce good behavior.

11. Maintain control of your horse at all times.

Tips & Warnings

• Use gloves when leading a horse to prevent rope burn if the horse pulls back or bolts (takes off).
• Always keep your horse next to you. Don't let the horse wander off, get too far in front of you (you could get kicked) or too far behind (you could get run over).
• Do not allow your horse to crowd you. If the horse starts moving in closer, use the pressure of your finger in his shoulder to get him to move over. As soon as he takes a step in the right direction, remove the pressure - this is his reward. If he does it again, repeat the process. Don't get impatient.
• Never wrap the rope around your hand. If the horse bolts you will be dragged or thrown.
• Always wear hard-toed shoes when you are around horses.

[CowgirlCal]

on 7/7/2009 Ok thanks!! Ya thanks for your advice!! That always works with my horses!!

on 12/9/2005 Take 2 rubber bands, split the part you want to braid in half,
repeat over and under until you run out of mane. Then tie with a rubber band. This is a pretty tip and can impress the judge a lot!

on 11/22/2005 Any horse and rider relationship should be built on trust, it's not a show of strength or pushiness like hitting a horse or jerking him around. When a horse bites or kicks it's for a reason. He could be scared (both are a form of protection) or maybe he doesn't separate what he is doing as bad behavior. By hitting a horse matters will only get worse. If you get into the mind of the horse and try to understand the reasoning behind his behavior you can teach him to trust you. Show your horse that you want to work with him, as partners. By opening up your horse in this way, he will be much more responsive to your requests. Horse and rider must form a team. You do not demand things of your horse, you ask him to work with you. If he trusts you he will willingly obey. Hitting or striking a horse will only push it further away until the horse is completely withdrawn in fear. And remember to be patient, don't get into the horse business if you don't have the time and a patient mentality.

on 11/22/2005 Do not, I repeat, do not whack your horse on the nose if he bites (or goes to bite) you. If you do so, he will start thinking it is a game and try to pull back before you can punish him. Remember, horses have the mentality of a 2 year old human! Instead, carry a crop and whack him on the shoulder immediately when he bites you (or tries to bite you) and say a firm "No." Then, go on with your business. Don't act like it's a big deal. You can also step on his coronary band or tap his shin (not too hard). Pretty soon when your horse goes to bite you he will look down at his leg.

on 11/22/2005 If you are like me and own crazy Thoroughbred's, and your spunky friends enjoy taking off when you bring them in for dinner, here are a few tricks to try.

1.) If your horse is a bolter, use a long lead shank, and if neccessary, a stud chain over the nose or under he chin. The second your horse tries to push you around and position himself to run, whack him REALLY HARD on the chest with your lead rope (it won't hurt like you think) and jerk the stud chain a tiny bit (but not if it is under the chin!!!) Turn your horse back around in a circle, take him to the gate of the paddock, and walk him back to his stall again.

2.) If your horse is a rearer: Rearing horses can be extremely hazardous and it is a habit hard to erase once it is begun. I would suggest taking your horse to the round pen at least twice a week and lead him around. If he begins to rear, push him out into a cricle using a lunge whip and run him until he is exhausted. After he asks to join you in the middle of the circle, allow him to and try again. Soon you horse will learn that if he rears, he has to run.

3.) Biters. I have a biter, and trust me, they can get really pushy! At my stable boarders and stable hands bring in the horses if you are not there, and some of the boarders are very inexperienced. My horse took adavantage of several, and has learned to test you to see if he can bite. Now I have forbidded anyone besides experiences personnel to bring in my horse, and when he gets testy, whack your horse on the hollow ridge of the nose. After several repetitions, they will learn!