Leading Your Horse I:

I’m often asked “where should my horse be when I’m leading?” As is the norm, the answer is a diverse one; we each have our own idea. Until I have any horse’s attention and their consideration for where I am, I prefer that they remain about 4 feet behind and to my right. I want them to walk when I walk and to stop, immediately, when I stop. If I step back, I want the horse to instantaneously step back maintaining that 4 foot distance.

Too often I see people lead their horse as they hold onto the lead line just below the halter. The horse is moving all around, pushing, surging forward, and basically having little regard for their owner. Only when I have a have a horse demonstrating consideration for where I am, will I feel safe asking them to lead next to me.

The first step is to teach a horse to move back when asked. One method that works very well is to face your horse and gently swing the lead line back and forth, increasing the pressure, until they step back. When their response is immediate, you can move onto leading them safely.

Before stepping off, prepare yourself. In your weak hand, leave about 5 feet of line between you and your horse. In your dominant hand, hold the lead with about 3-4 feet of line just as you did with teaching them to step back when swinging the lead line back and forth.

Begin to lead them on a loose line. Your horse may begin to move closer to you. As you walk, swing the rope back and forth allowing it to swing behind you until the horse slows and remains back. Stop swinging and continue to walk. After a few steps, stop abruptly and immediately begin to swing your lead line back and forth allowing it to swing behind you so that the horse stops. If the horse walked forward a few steps, send them back. Repeat this process until the horse stops immediately as you stop.

When you walk and stop with your new shadow mimicking each step, then you can begin to step back. Walk at your regular pace, then abruptly stop and take a step back. Your horse should maintain his distance and immediately step back with you. When they dont, swing your rope firmly behind you and send him back . When he responds, stop and let him think. Repeat this process every few steps until his response is to stop midstride and immediately step back when you stop and step back.

This simple exercise not only teaches the horse to be vigilant and respectful of you, but when seen by others, it is incredible to observe a horse in-tune with the owner’s every step.

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Leading Your Horse I: