"Encouraging" a Welshie to Walk on In Hand

[mcnaughty]

My young Welsh A is being a bit of a git to lead. I think it might be a couple of things - firstly he does not like to leave his mates and secondly there are two different types of surface up the stables and I think he might be feeling his feet a little - concrete/tarmac and rough stones (old chopped up tarmacadum). He just plants his feet and refuses to walk on. (OK in the field too)

I want to be able to show him in hand so hopefully to progress to trotting up nicely in hand.

Advice and tips please....

 

[Biscuit]

As long as there is no issue with the feet/pain, it sounds like he may need some more ground work. Some thoughts:

Try to anticipate when he is about to plant his feet, and move him before he gets "stuck" - not necessarily forwards, but sideways or in reverse. It may be easier to work on the leading in a school or a field at first, somewhere with a good safe surface.

Release the pressure as soon as he gives and moves. Some people like dually halters for working on leading.

It may be good to work on moving his front and back sideways as well, and perhaps to lead him over/through obstacles, long rein etc. If he knows what to do but doesn't, perhaps he not respect your leadership and/or is worried about leaving the other horses, lots of in hand work should help either way.