How To Lead A Horse

Do you want to know how to lead a horse the right way?

Making sure your horse has proper ground manners is an absolutely necessary part of training your animal. Learn some tips to help you lead your horse correctly.

Leading a horse is one of the activities that is considered a staple for <b>horse training</b> and owning a horse. It is one of the first things that you will do. It will not only teach you how to handle and control the horse; it will also cultivate trust and improve communication lines between you and the animal.

Being able to lead your horse the proper way will keep both of you safe. So without any further ado, here are some horse training tips on how to lead your horse the right way.

How To Lead A Horse

- Have your horse haltered and standing quietly. Make sure he is up to the activity. Make the horse comfortable at all times. Have a lead rope snapped to the ring of the halter.

- Stand on the left side of the horse and hold the rope about 6 to 8 inches from the halter with your right hand.

- Your left hand should hold the rest of the rope. It should be folded up. Make sure it is not wrapped around your hand. This is a safety precaution.

- Stand at your horse’s left shoulder and face forward. As you step forward, apply light pressure. If you have verbal cues to make the horse walk forward, speak them. It may be better than a physical tug or pull on the rope. The point of leading a horse is more of a cooperative walking, not forcing. The horse must respect you on the ground. Remember to control your movement around the animals head, a horse can become headshy very easily.

- However, there are situations in which a horse may not understand your cue. A dressage whip may be utilized in such cases. Never strike the animal with force that will scare it. Simply tap the horse gently on top of the animal’s croup. As you do it, set a verbal command such as, “walk”, or a clucking.

- When the horse finally walks, look forward and do not look at the horse. It may be taken as a sign of dominance, always watch the animals reaction. The MOMENT the pressure is released from the horse stepping forward, reward the animal by removing the pressure.

- In cases that the horse walks faster than you, make a gentle tug or a verbal command to make him go slower or halt.

- To make sure that the horse is paying attention. Signal a command like “whoa” to make him go slower. Never let the horse walk on top of you. For every affirmative response, praise him with pats and praises.

- Turning the horse is done by adjusting the pressure to come from whatever direction you’d like the animal to go, whether left or right.

- Never put a hand on the halter when leading. Always use the lead rope and give the horse room to move his head.

- Try to stay at the animals side, not a great distance in front.

Equipment needed:

- Halter

- Lead rope

- Gloves to protect from rope burns (optional)

Additional tips to lead a horse

- Never allow the horse to crowd you. A horse that starts to move in closer should be subjected to a pressure of your finger in his shoulder to get him to move over. Remove the pressure when he takes a step in the right direction.

- Your goal in lead training is to teach the horse a consistent language that always has the same meaning. The horse will eventually know what to do, and it will become second nature to you both. Remember to pay attention to your emotions while handing the horse, he can tune into what you are feeling.