How to Train a Horse to Lead

If you have ever tried to lead a horse that is not properly trained you know the importance of good training. Horses that are not trained to lead properly can be hard to handle, pushy and even dangerous. If you do not know how to train a horse to lead you can follow a few steps to get your horse to behave safely at the end of the lead rope.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Halter
• Lead rope

1. Catch your horse and put the halter on him. Make sure it is the proper size and fits him correctly.

2. Take the lead rope and touch the horse all over with it. Drag it across the horse's back and hindquarters. Swing the rope around without letting it touch the horse.

3. Stand at the horse's head on his left side. Hold the lead rope about six inches from the snap in your right hand and hold the excess in your left hand.

4. Walk forward, tugging just slightly on the lead rope. This asks your horse to walk with you without being forceful.

5. Turn sharply to the left or right and make the horse circle if he will not follow behind you. This makes the horse take steps (your goal) without being forceful and scaring him.

6. Walk around in an area where the horse is not familiar but is safe. If he is too comfortable he may try to play instead of follow your instructions.

7. Lead the horse in several different directions including making sharp turns, backing up and moving forward.

8. Stop the horse several times in different areas. Do this by stopping and standing still. Pull straight down or back to ask the horse to stop.

Tips & Warnings

• If the horse does not stop when you ask him to, you can loop the lead rope over his nose and put pressure directly on his nose. This will get his attention much more than the halter. You should only have to do this a few times.

Resources

• Find a great selection of halters and lead ropes at jeffersequine.com.