Leading Woes

[Bambles]

Hello all

Am having some frustration with leading new gelding. Being bought in from the field especially, he walks sooo slow. Refuses to walk alongside me, is a nightmare if bringing two as he won't even keep up the pace with another horse.

Any suggestions? Have tried a slap with the end of the lead rope, makes him pick up for a few paces, or trot circle around me, but then he goes back to plodding. Is fine ridden, very keen, or being turned out!

Is this the kind of issue a Be Nice or Dually halter would help with? I've not used one before. He is in no way bargy or rude. Just slow.

Glass of early Friday evening prosecco for reading!

 

[Sparemare]

Is he dragging behind so he can perhaps fly graze on the way? One of ours does this. Lags behind, gets slower and then shoves his head down

 

[Meowy Catkin]

No I wouldn't go for a controller halter. I would train the horse to vary the speed within its paces to voice cues.

 

[Bambles]

Nope doesn't tend to try and grab a bite to eat on the way in, and is very sweet in most other ways. He lunges really well by voice, also responds to voice commands well when ridden, just not on when leading, can be a ****** to get him to trot up!

 

[Cortez]

Carry a dressage whip or lunge whip and train him to walk up next to your shoulder (do this on the yard). Tap on the croup and a word (walk on; etc.).

 

[pippixox]

Long whip is an option
My old boy has always been slow to lead- really he wants to follow the other horses bums! As they get along I often just let him as easier! He has quite a long lead rope. When we are near the barn I even chuck the rope over his neck and he follows the others a few meters behind!

 

[Goldenstar]

Only lead him alone at the moment and carry a dressage whip he needs to learn to keep pace with you .

 

[Bambles]

Thanks all will try the stick.