I've been around many people who try to lead a horse by controlling their head with a lead rope. They end up pulling or jerking the lead rope and the horse will typically pull back or push around the person with the lead rope.
Ultimately, you want slack in the lead rope while leading your horse because you don't want to pull or jerk him. If your horse moves incorrectly while leading him then you can stop and correct him by making him move his body.
To really be successful in having control the secret is having control over your horse's body. How do you do that? By controlling his feet by making him move his rear end away from you. (Also known as "disengaging the hind quarters) Why this works so well is it alleviates stiffness and tension and almost magically forces your horse to focus on you.
There are few ways to get your horse to move his rear end away from you. Much of the time, you can stand facing his shoulder and point to his hip. If he doesn't move keep pointing and cluck at him. If he still doesn't move, twirl the end of your lead rope at his hip and cluck. If he still doesn't move tap him with the lead rope while clucking at him.
At any time he moves, take the pressure off him immediately. Give him a pat and a "good boy" and ask for another move. Repeat. Then ask for more steps. Remember to do this on both sides of the body too. It won't be long when you will simply point at his hip and he'll move them for you. Do this every day for a while to get it in his mind that you are in control.
Okay. Now that you moved him, turn your body to walk forward while holding your lead line. Something magical happens right here. Your horse suddenly focuses his attention on you. He's very aware of your movement and what you're doing. If he messes up because he was distracted or something scared him, all you have to do is move his rear end again. Eventually your horse will start gauging your pace and keep up with you at the same pace you move.
If your horse starts to get ahead of you while leading, move his hindquarters. If he's lagging behind you, move his hindquarters. If he goes off into La La Land, move his hindquarters.
Having good control leading your horse is perhaps the most basic training technique there is. But it is also the way we get horses in trailers, moving them around, bathing them, and even riding them. This will help teach your horse to be soft and responsive. And if you have a soft responsive horse while you are on the ground, then you will more likely have the same kind of horse while you're sitting in the saddle. And that is the ultimate goal.
About The Author
Andy Curry is a nationally known horse trainer and author of several best selling horse training and horse care books. For information visit his website at www.horsetrainingandtips.com. He is also the leading expert on Jesse Beery's horse training methods which can be seen at www.horsetrainingandtips.com.
Alexis limo rentals ..What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More
There are headstrong dogs that know too well that a... Read More
From the first day of life on a leash, most... Read More
How important is a dog name? Well let's think about... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More
Introducing your puppy to the crate should be an easy... Read More
"Westies" or West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs,... Read More
Dog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs... Read More
By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men... Read More
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More
There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More
Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care from... Read More
So, you read somewhere that introducing a new kitten into... Read More
Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More
When it comes to the art of giving, a gift... Read More
Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort,... Read More
This article discusses two foods in paticual. For the puppy... Read More
Dear Fellow Dog Lover,I assume you love your dog, or... Read More
House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless... Read More
Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides... Read More
For most cat owners, training their cat to use the... Read More
A dog that is feeling pain can often be highly... Read More
car service from Midway Alsip ..So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general... Read More
Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More
HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world,... Read More
As our horses enjoy a longer life and many live... Read More
You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More
Dog careAccepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly... Read More
The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More
Training one dog can be hard enough, but two, now... Read More
You spoil your pooch as close to rotten as you... Read More
"Westies" or West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs,... Read More
Just like children, westie puppies learn through play. Playing games... Read More
If your dog could talk, these are some of most... Read More
When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More
Boxer Dogs Information - What Are Boxer Dogs? Boxer dogs... Read More
Some sources seem to indicate that living with a serval... Read More
Lovebirds are so named from the way they sit close... Read More
Pets are many things in many ways but they are... Read More
The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen... Read More
For thousands of years, dogs have been "man's best friend."... Read More
Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so... Read More
Once though of as a mere harmless but annoying pest,... Read More
No one knows your dog better than you, and as... Read More
For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides... Read More
Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More
What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More
Pet |