How to Halter an Unruly Horse

Some horses do not take well to being bridled and are simply unruly when it comes to being haltered. However, if you can mix gentle coercion with a commanding presence, you can halter that stubborn horse.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Place the horse in a corral or round pen. Choose one with enough space for both of you to move around. Command your horse to move off and allow him to indicate when he wants to come back in. You'll know that he is ready when he begins dropping his head in circles and licking his lips. Call him back in.
2. Stand in the safety zone, at your horses shoulder. Rub her shoulders, head and neck in long, massaging strokes. If the horse becomes uncomfortable when you rub a certain area, stop and send her off again. Repeat later until you can touch every part of her body. This step may take hours or even days, so remain patient. Talk to the horse in a calm, gentle voice.
3. Give your horse a treat when he lets you touch a sensitive area. Let him know he has done well. Once he is comfortable, use this same technique with the halter. Bring the halter just to his nose, send the horse away and bring him back. Repeat until he is comfortable.
4. Halter your horse once she allows you to pull the bridle up over her ears. This could take several days. Leave the halter on for a few seconds, give the horse a treat and then remove it. Send her away and repeat. After she allows you to connect the bridle several times, you should be able to bridle her whenever you want.
5. Repeat these steps when your bridle-trained horse is having a bad day. With some love and some treats, your horse will allow you to bridle him.