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.
local house cleaners Park Ridge ..Large dogs and extra large dogs require more thought and... Read More
This article discusses two foods in paticual. For the puppy... Read More
Who let the dogs out?Remember this song which gave birth... Read More
Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For... Read More
For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More
1. Accidents and medical emergencies in the home happen frequently.... Read More
Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like... Read More
As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More
In the animal kingdom there is a pecking order. Richard... Read More
Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More
Electric Dog FencesIs an electric dog fence something for you?... Read More
At some time or another even the sweetest cat "misbehaves."... Read More
Pet DoorsAre you considering installing a pet door for your... Read More
Still remember that very moment when you first laid your... Read More
Caring for your dogs teeth is a vital part of... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
If you have a hard time in summer imagine how... Read More
Dogs should be living to age 20 or more. That's... Read More
Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and... Read More
Mabeke is a young gorilla who was born in captivity... Read More
PROBIOTICS - The Good Bacteria - Does your pet have... Read More
When I first started my interest in reptiles I was... Read More
Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More
Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More
Opening your heart to a Pomeranian can be fun, but... Read More
move out cleaning service Glenview ..Pet ContainmentIf you just recently became a pet owner or... Read More
The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail... Read More
The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More
1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More
You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let's take a look... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
It is always sad when a beloved animal family member... Read More
Losing a family pet can be a traumatic experience, especially... Read More
Nervous cats hide from people, they do not readily present... Read More
If you're looking for an unusual, eye-catching pet, it's hard... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
All puppies are small dogs ? some, however, won't be... Read More
Wondering how to begin crate training your puppy or dog,... Read More
Throughout the course of my life, I've encountered my own... Read More
So you're thinking about trying cichlids. A good choice. In... Read More
If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More
Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More
Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides... Read More
Did you know that more than one million north americans... Read More
If Your Dog Suffers From Arthritis, Consider The Natural Alternative:Rimadyl... Read More
Whether purely for looks or for a bird's home, bird... Read More
Cats are becoming increasingly popular as pets these days, and... Read More
Any person, whether a minor or adult, having been bitten... Read More
Ringworm is an annoying, highly contagious fungal disorder that is... Read More
A crate is a valuable and useful training tool. Its... Read More
Pet |