Leading

[Becky1200]

My 3 year old cob is really unruly on the ground and leading in hand. Sometimes he’s good as a gold but as soon as something is going on he will bolt of bucking and when leading lean into you pushing his head around. What would people suggest using to lead him in and any advice would be grateful

 

[AmyMay]

Stick a bridle on him.

 

[shortstuff99]

Has he been bitted yet? If so I would lead in a bridle, if not a controller headcollar or perhaps even a stallion chain until he learnt to stop running off.

 

[Gloi]

If he keeps pushing into you in a bridle ,putting a roller on him with a side rein to the offside bit ring will give more control.

 

[TPO]

Boring answer but I think you need to address groundwork with him.

Even a bit won't stop a horse that wants to go and you risk damaging his mouth.

Ideally time should be spent getting him to focus on you and teach him pressure/release when leading so that it never gets to the stage where he tanks off.

 

[Becky1200]

Boring answer but I think you need to address groundwork with him.

Even a bit won't stop a horse that wants to go and you risk damaging his mouth.

Ideally time should be spent getting him to focus on you and teach him pressure/release when leading so that it never gets to the stage where he tanks off.

thankyou, I have only had him a month or so I am still getting used to him. What would you suggest when he pushes his head in towards me?

 

[PSD]

thankyou, I have only had him a month or so I am still getting used to him. What would you suggest when he pushes his head in towards me?

is he entire?

carry a whip or cane with you. Every time his head comes towards to lift it and move it towards his head. They soon learn to move away, then all you need to do is put your hand up and they move out of your space

 

[Becky1200]

is he entire?

carry a whip or cane with you. Every time his head comes towards to lift it and move it towards his head. They soon learn to move away, then all you need to do is put your hand up and they move out of your space

No he is not,

thankyou will try that

 

[PSD]

I agree with TPO, lots of ground work and having him respect your space. It’s hard having young ones!

 

[windand rain]

He is pushing his boundaries lots of groundwork, lots of consistant handling if he does well praise with a rub or scratch if he does wrong ignore it but put him back where you want him firmly dont keep saying goodboy etc just be matter of fact and put your limits in place. Running through you can be corrected on a halter if it is fitted properly so if you are a visual learner there are a whole selection of ground work exercises on video Richard Maxwell being the best to buy. His books are great if you can read and learn

 

[Flowerofthefen]

My tb in winter can be unruly to lead. I have recently had Guido out ( the chap that does the liberty work at olympia). In just a few days my horse has learnt the signals given. It remains to be seen if they work during winter but groundwork really is the way to go. Not just for leading but for all round handling. He will be a lovely mannered boy by the time you come to back him.