Should i lead them together?

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SandraCalvert

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I have just bought myself and daughter a pony each. We have had hers 3 weeks and my one 10 days. Should i lead them into the field together. Have tried different ways, not sure which one i should be sticking too. When we took them together, one infront of other, didnt matter which one, the one behind bolted ahead and we lost control. I have to lead them out on my own during the week as she has school. My daughter has tried to take them out together once on her own, they did good most of the way, but then both got away from her just as she was putting them in their field. If i take one down first, the one i take down second gets a bit moody, and the one already in the field runs over to the gate getting all excited. I took my Jack out of the field yesterday as he tried to bolt when i got him in there, then led him back in, the second time he behaved better. They lead together out of the field ok, so I assume the thought of the grass is too much to take!! GOSH...sorry, probably was a shorter way to explain all this, but any advice would great.....
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Although I lead mine together you will see from my previous posts that this has made my horses very clingy and I am now starting to lead the seperately so if you can avoid it i would lead them seperately. Also if they are bolting and bein naughty i wouldnt risk it, i only lead mine together as it was winter and i trust them both as I've had them both a long time. Just remember to wear gloves hat etc. If possible maybe ask for help from someone at the yard as horses shouldnt be doing this when being led. They may just be settling in but it really isnt acceptable to run off, you may need to lead with a bridle on or some sort of controlling halter as if this carries on someone will get hurt!
 
I lead in pairs, BUT whichever horses are being led MUST have immaculate manners, the mare and gelding will walk/trot/halt/back on voice commands to do gates and stable doors.

For you to lead them together it sounds like you need to do some ground work with both of them seperately before considering leading them together. Take them in the school/field and make sure that when they walk, they don't barge past, stop on command, take a step back if asked, move their quaters away etc.
 
OK. definately will stick to leading them seperately. One more question......should i alternate who i take down to the field first. They both walk down there fine, just get naughty when the field is in sight...
 
i lead in pairs, especially the 2 youngsters for just the same reasons as you, but i have a hat and gloves on always, and controller headcollars on them. this is a must... a normal headcollar just doesn't say "whoa!" strongly enough, and if they run past you (or your daughter) and lash out, the consequences can be absolutely horrific.
kit them up like that, and absolutely insist that they go at your pace. halt every time one or both doesn't. be really really strict, and they'll realise they get nowhere fast... the stricter and clearer you are, the sooner they'll give in, imho.
i also make a point of having polos or similar in my pockets, and they always get a treat and a fuss before i let them go, so they turn round and wait, anticipating that, rather than trying to hoolie off when through the gate.
best of luck!
if one does get past you, and IF you can trust it not to kick, cross the rope/lunge line across its back as it goes away and pull down hard, the wither will act as a fulcrum and the horse will stop immediately. i've had to do that quite a few times to teach them... but you really don't want it getting to that point, and it's dangerous if they might kick. keeping them firmly under control and going along politely at YOUR speed is the most important thing.
 
You may find that leading two will invalidate your insurance as, in theory, you dont have enough control over both animals.

I would lead one at a time for safetys sake plus it helps to stop them being joined at the hip and clingy which is a pain in the parts when you want one and not the other for whatever reason.
 
Sounds like i should get them to behave individually first, then maybe at a later time, could do them together. Know they are capable because i bring them back to the stable together! Should i alternate who i take first?? thanks crazymare
 
I lead two and have led three before....but would only do that with horses I know to be very well behaved. I have not had an incident in the 5 years I have been turning out and bringing in.
 
I lead my two and so do others in and out of the field, in all weathers and after dark - they both have excellent (nearly all the time) manners.

With my youngster, he was very happy to stay beside the old boy and wait politely while Old C went into the field then Young C followed.

On occasion, I will swop them round so they don't always expect to be first.

Chancer when I got him, had already been taught to led nicely and I worked on him further.

Would suggest working on them inhand to establish good manners and then be led together, making them stop, wait, backup etc.

Then, one person lead, but with them on long lines. I also find a dog choke chain threaded under the jaw and attached to the line is an excellent way of installing respect.

With time they should be able to be trained in leading nicely - like all things, it is a question of training and having manners.

I also like to have them stand nicely in the field whilst I remove headcollars, they then get their treat and walk off.
 
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