Teaching a horse to lead properly

ktj1891

ktj1891

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As the title, literally how do you do it?

As in how do you make them walk at your speed? I have a gelding that I have to drag and yank everywhere he is so lazy and I just don't know how to change what I am doing to get him to walk my speed, fast, slow, stop, reverse as and when I do it? I know there is a better way I just don't know how to implement it.

Also, I have a pony who is the opposite and zooms everywhere. Any advise much appreciated. I am feeling inspired to change my way of handling my horses since watching a documentary last night on Buck Brannaman and I really want to able to work with my horses more than against them.
 
ktj1891 said:
As the title, literally how do you do it?

As in how do you make them walk at your speed? I have a gelding that I have to drag and yank everywhere he is so lazy and I just don't know how to change what I am doing to get him to walk my speed, fast, slow, stop, reverse as and when I do it? I know there is a better way I just don't know how to implement it.

Also, I have a pony who is the opposite and zooms everywhere. Any advise much appreciated. I am feeling inspired to change my way of handling my horses since watching a documentary last night on Buck Brannaman and I really want to able to work with my horses more than against them.
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Get the Buck Brannaman series of DVD's (there is one specifically on groundwork) or the 7 clinics. What you are looking for is to get your horse operating off of a feel and so the half turn exercise is great for directing, driving them through - no pulling or yanking (Eclectic Horseman or Youtube have a number of clips of how to). I first saw Buck 3 years ago (on the recommendation of my long time trainer and friend Kathleen Beckham) and it was like a lightbulb had exploded (having seen other 'NH' in a number of different guises!) and a dream came true when Tina Griffin (Total Horsemanship) persuaded him to come over to the UK and I got to ride with him - it was a long drive to Liverpool from Scotland but it was amazing - no showman demo just a humble man who was there to help us all be better horsemen and women! If you get a chance to see him, when he is next back in the UK, you should - Tina Griffin of Total Horsemanship is the gal to contact!
 
debserofe said:
Get the Buck Brannaman series of DVD's (there is one specifically on groundwork) or the 7 clinics. What you are looking for is to get your horse operating off of a feel and so the half turn exercise is great for directing, driving them through - no pulling or yanking (Eclectic Horseman or Youtube have a number of clips of how to). I first saw Buck 3 years ago (on the recommendation of my long time trainer and friend Kathleen Beckham) and it was like a lightbulb had exploded (having seen other 'NH' in a number of different guises!) and a dream came true when Tina Griffin (Total Horsemanship) persuaded him to come over to the UK and I got to ride with him - it was a long drive to Liverpool from Scotland but it was amazing - no showman demo just a humble man who was there to help us all be better horsemen and women! If you get a chance to see him, when he is next back in the UK, you should - Tina Griffin of Total Horsemanship is the gal to contact!
Click to expand...

I would love to see him if he came over and to the South. Okay I will look at the DVD's its just hard as its like he is 'dead to the leg' but with leading. I have to give him a smack with the lead rope to walk on or yank him and it just doesn't work long term and I know there's a better way in which I could 'school' him on groundwork.
 
Rope halter and learn how to use it. It's all in the timing. Then, once they've got the message, less seems to do more -- with me, anyway.

A 12yo was trying to lead one of my ponies and yanking and pulling on the lead rope, which got her nowhere. She was near to tears. Once she'd been taught pressure-and-release (which took about five minutes), she was literally all smiles and laughing at how easy it is.

A steady pull even pull on the lead rope, then release the pressure the moment the horse even shifts it's weight in the desired direction. Sometimes pulling sideways gets them moving as it gets them off balance. Then an instant release. Basically, you are empowering the horse to switch off the unpleasant pressure on the poll. The better you do it, the quicker they learn. Remember, if they pull away or won't move, just a steady pressure on the lead rope -- then release instantly they comply so they know how to "switch off".

I am sure there are plenty of other methods, probably even better, but that's what works for me. Once they learn that they are stronger than we are, it can be difficult to convince them otherwise.
 
Reading with interest. I have a new horse who will only follow, not lead. I tried to trot her up yesterday to check a leg and could not do it! Even with a whip. In fact with a stick she went back or sideways thinking I was going to hit her.
 
Rope halter and 12ft line and lots of ground work- have a look at warwick schiller too, loads of you tube videos and some free ones on his website too.
 
If only all horses were properly halter broken in their first year. None of these problems would happen.

It never ceased to amaze me how many horses are able to jump/compete etc yet do not know have to be mannerly on the headcollar.
 
Thanks the suggestions of people guys. Can you tell me what groundwork to do though? I really have no clue to get him responsible whilst leading? As said you just have to pull him everywhere as he walks so slow And I'm a fast walker!
 
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