Leading questions

Casey76

Casey76

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When you lead your horse, where is he/she in relation to you?

Just something I was thinking of recently :)

My older horse has always lead with his nose level with my shoulder (which I gather isn't "BHS"). I use body language and hand signals mostly to turn left and right, lead on, stand and back up etc.

My baby horse is still learning manners whilst being lead, but he naturally goes with his shoulder on a level with mine. Whilst I don't feel quite so in control being all the way back there, I think it will be easier for in hand work in the future.

What is your preferred leading position?
 
For basic leading work I used to do teh BHS way but now do nose at my shoulder, I find it easier to spot distractions on the other side of the horse which can result in you being flattened. Also find it easier to stop horses going through their shoulder in this position. There is a vague horse psychology idea that it's better to have the nose at your shoulder, don't think it has been proven but I do find it's easier to keep the horse focused in this position rather than half a step in front of you.

I stand at the shoulder for in-hand, doesn't seem to cause any confusion to my horses at all.
 
My older horse I will allow him to follow me on the lead because I know that he'd do his utmost not to mow me down if spooked. With my youngsters (had from 8 months upwards in the past) I like them to teach them to lead so we are shoulder to shoulder, but about an arm's width apart from me. This position puts them slightly ahead so teaches them the confidence to be up front and on their own, plus the arm's width means that if they do spook, you have some space before they knock you over like a skittle!! :D I don't trust youngster behind me, where I can't see them as they'll run you over too, if startled!!
 
eatmoremincepies said:
now do nose at my shoulder, I find it easier to spot distractions on the other side of the horse which can result in you being flattened.
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This reason for me! Lead ours so that their head is by my shoulder, so that if anything "terrifying" is on the other side it gives me more of a chance to get out of the way and avoid being trampled - they're a bunch of wimps! I do make sure that they don't walk too close to me though as I don't fancy getting trodden on.
 
If we're going any distance, I like to be shoulder to shoulder. If just going across the yard, I don't really mind but am always a bit wary of having a horse behind me, just in case! We lead on halters though so they will only come into play if the horse's nose is in front of the handler.
 
Mine varies depending on the day! Mostly Murphy hovers just in front of my shoulder so I'm in the middle of his neck. However, if he doesn't want to come in he tries to hide behind me hoping I won't see him and therefore won't make him do any work!!
Naughty boy!! :-)
 
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