Riding and Leading

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mitchellk

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Want to start riding and leading my two (at home) as I only have enough time to ride one a day. As far as I know neither have every been lead from another horse, so am I mad in starting and what would you prefer to ride and which to lead from following-
17hh 7/8th gelding, quite green been hacking for about six months but is fairly forward thinking, snaffle mouthed
16.2hh IDx gelding, usually sensible, snaffle mouth but very lazy and has a horrific walk!
I have a fairly good idea what you guys will say!!
We've a large field in which to practise and the roads are fairly quiet off peak (no A roads) - I just need some encouragement please!!!
 
I'd ride the 16.2hh - easier to be towed than to tow! Remember to have lead horse in your left hand, and I use a long lead reain rahther than the reins.
 
Ride the stronger one of the two. I led my 3yr old (now nearly 5) for the first time from another horse she just got confused, but they get used to it!!! I have always ridden which ever one is the stronger, or faster horse, unfortunatly for her she has always been the one i lead!!
 
It's much easier to ride the smaller lazier one, at least that's what I was taught for my AH test and that's what I've always found. There's nothing worse than almost getting dragged of your ridden horse by a lazy lead horse. I would definitely practice in the field first to make sure they work well together, good luck xx
 
Can you take someone out on foot with you for the first time you try it? They can be inconspicuous but just be there just incase!

Good luck x
 
I have no problems doing this with my two larger ones, in fact also take the weeney pony out with with mr sensible sometimes....!! It's easier than you think, just give it a try!!
 
I have found the horses often behave better when you ride and lead (both horses better) - which may be more of a reflection on me than anything else! (Think the distraction of having two to control might have made me fuss less about them!)

anyway - I would be inclined to ride the lazier one. dragging a horse is no fun!
 
I would ride the 16.2hh and lead the other. Make sure your confident getting on/off, leading, turning and stopping before you go onto the road. Its worth booting them both up if possible and putting over-reach boots on the ridden horses near front and hind incase the lead horse treds on him. If you can have someone one foot the 1st couple of times, then it is helpful (till your confident). Go for it, your be fine.
 
I must admit, the thought of riding one and leading the other (of my two) would fill me with terror
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Having said that, I regularly see someone hacking along the road leading not one, but two horses from their mount. Now that really is insane imo
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I have always ridden the steady sensible one and led the sharper/younger horse.

Use a bridle on the one being led and I like to use an old draw rein as it is just the right length and not as heavy as a lunge rein.

Most of them didn't need any training, but they were older horses used to going out alongside being ridden.

Chancer did as he is only a baby and had no idea about going side by side, I started in the school and once we had got walk, trot, turns and halts sorted we went into the field and then out onto the bridleways. He soon got the hang of it and we now regularly go out down the bridleways with him trotting alongside like a big spaniel.

I have been seen on the clydesdale with my previous gypsy cob on the lead going round the XC at a gallop and jumping the ditches - great fun, but these were two extremely well behaved, voice trained and sensible horses.
 
I used to canter when I was leading the old pony off my horse - can't do the new one as he always stops to have a poo with no warning!
 
i've just taught my youngster to be lead from ridden horse. I ride in am on quiet country roads and all it took was my mate to ride behind me for couple of time and to keep lead horse up with ridden horse. I can do either but i prefer to ride bigger horse and lead smaller

I personnel wouldn't ride and lead around field cos mine get a bit daft in winter on grass, but on road they are very happy and both are less spooky together, which is wierd.

Remember to tie a big knot in end of lead rein and not to wrap rope around hands just in case. I have knot in right hand, and left hand holding rope on knee, so lead horse's head is level with my knee. So in right hand i have both rien from ridden horse. Also you need to teach the horses a routine at mounding block, otherwise can been interesting
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good luck saves bucket of time once sorted
 
i often ride and lead a 3yr old hackney x welsh and a 4yr old coloured cob.
i find it much easier if i ride the 4yr old as she is the lazy one,
if i ride the 3yr old she can get a bit pissed off when i have to keep tugging the other one along and holding her up.
can leg the cob on when she slows.

can be a pain to start with but mine being fairly young are very voice resposive,might help if you have someone to help with the getting on.

actually i am quite pleased with my two we walk,trot and canter which feels lovely i must admit when its you and two horses cantering across a stubble field

good luck
 
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