Assistance when leading, what would you use?

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LS91

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Have a 11 month old colt who, has been progressing in his leading since he first started but has learned he can get away from me. He then was led by my boyfriend who managed to lead him quite happily, until, he got excited last week, leaped up and kicked him. The next day he did the same at exactly the same point and got away again.

We don't want him to keep repeating this obviously but need something more than just a leadrope. Don't have a big budget for gadgets but just wondered what people have used and whether it worked or not!

Our next route at the moment is a lunge line so we have a longer line and he can't completely run off wild which is what he has been doing. His Mum helps as well as he likes to still be able see her!

Thanks :)
 
Without going to any expense have you tried either slipping the rope under his chin or over the front of his nose, it will give you a bit more control when he tries to get away. I would not use a lunge rein as if he gets far enough he will have you in the kicking zone, as your boyfriend was or he could still get away and panic with the rein possibly getting round his legs.
A control halter would be worth buying but try using the rope first, you may be able to break this habit fairly quickly if you are firm enough.
 
I use a dog choke chain, heavy duty, thick links, costs a couple of pounds. I hate those lead lines with the chain attached to them.

Put the rings in a vice and shape them to an oval so they will fit through the side rings of a headcollar. Thread through, wrapping chain over noseband once for a milder action or just straight for a more serious one, then clip links together under the chin with a lead rope...clear as mud so far?

Lead from the chain or use another rope off the headcollar. I use the long 10' lead lines or a lunge line, depending on the horse, always a lungeline with the stallion or new colts.

Just one or two short sharp tugs will make your colt mind his manners and stop faffing about. If he rears then chain over the nose, if he ploughs a furrow with his nose on the floor then chain under the chin to bring his head up.

I can't abide bad manners, happy is good as long as they do it on a loose rope at a polite distance from me.
 
Enfys said:
I use a dog choke chain, heavy duty, thick links, costs a couple of pounds. I hate those lead lines with the chain attached to them.

Put the rings in a vice and shape them to an oval so they will fit through the side rings of a headcollar. Thread through, wrapping chain over noseband once for a milder action or just straight for a more serious one, then clip links together under the chin with a lead rope...clear as mud so far?

Lead from the chain or use another rope off the headcollar. I use the long 10' lead lines or a lunge line, depending on the horse, always a lungeline with the stallion or new colts.

Just one or two short sharp tugs will make your colt mind his manners and stop faffing about. If he rears then chain over the nose, if he ploughs a furrow with his nose on the floor then chain under the chin to bring his head up.

I can't abide bad manners, happy is good as long as they do it on a loose rope at a polite distance from me.
Click to expand...

The choke chain is a great idea, had never thought of it, I have to help someone with a horse today and will try it:D
 
My preference is for a pressure halter then lots of sessions to teach the horse to release to it and a long rope is an absolute must!

Its no good using any kind of pressure devise unless you teach the horse what you expect him to do, i find teaching back up is a good place to start and it can be done in the stable.
Put a small amount of pressure on then wait, no need to increase the pressure just give him time to figure it out, the instant he shifts his weight backwards release and give him a huge fuss - repeat a million times! Then do forwards using the same principle.
He needs to learn personal space too, my 3yo is allowed to dance or spook if she sees something exciting but she knows that she's not allowed to jump on top of me or (her favourite as a yearling) try and climb in my pocket.
Always wear gloves and if he's throwing his legs around a hat is probably a good idea too!
 
I use the choke chain too.

We used to have a pony who would spin and bolt, kicking you on the way past. Our instructor at the time introduced us to this method, and it didn't take long to have her leading beautifully. We used it attached to a second lead rope so that it only ever moved if she tried to spin.
 
You do only need a lead rope, either with or without a controller headcollar. If you use a controller headcollar, then ensure that you also use a slip rope, rather than a standard clip on one.

I've always been taught, and found to be true, that keeping the horse close is the key. That way you have better control and can anticipate their behavior better.
 
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