Teaching a horse to lead.

[BayLove]

Hello, I'm after some advice. My boy is 4 and when leading he insists on following behind and not walking at my shoulder how I'd prefer him to. He's also clumsy with his feet and they have ended up on mine a few times. Any tips on how to get him to walk nicely by my side respecting my space and not pushing in to me? Thanks.

 

[Nudibranch]

Kelly Marks' book Perfect Manners has lots of exercises you can practice to get him respecting your space. Too many to go through on here but it is well worth a read.

 

[tallyho!]

Mine does too... it means he can get in a sneaky hedge nibble - I do let him but he knows when he's not allowed!

Show trainers teach to lead using a stick/cane/leadrope. Start by holding the rope by the chin in your right hand and the loose and with your left. Keep him walking by turning body slightly to left and use cane/rope end to swish at his quarters. He might trot as it will be a surprise so do it gently. He should keep up, in which case say good boy and a pat, and be focused on what you do now. Next time he lags, do the same thing.

Use the cane on the shoulder to keep him out of your toes way just by nudging him out a little.

I practised on the lanes when I was younger but if you have a school use that.

 

[BayLove]

Mine does too... it means he can get in a sneaky hedge nibble - I do let him but he knows when he's not allowed!

Show trainers teach to lead using a stick/cane/leadrope. Start by holding the rope by the chin in your right hand and the loose and with your left. Keep him walking by turning body slightly to left and use cane/rope end to swish at his quarters. He might trot as it will be a surprise so do it gently. He should keep up, in which case say good boy and a pat, and be focused on what you do now. Next time he lags, do the same thing.

Use the cane on the shoulder to keep him out of your toes way just by nudging him out a little.

I practised on the lanes when I was younger but if you have a school use that.

Thank you. I was trying to avoid using any sort of whip/cane but if it will help him i'll do it.

 

[tallyho!]

It's only a tool to help learn things. You're not going to hit him with it, think of canes/whips etc as extensions of your hand. Not a torture implement

You could always use you elbow on the neck to keep him at a good distance. I do this with young horses. You hold the lead as you would in your right hand and angle your elbow up instead of pointing to the ground. This keeps that neck from swinging in and giving you a nosebleed should that head whip round too...