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.
personalized cleaning services Mundelein ..When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More
Boy or Girl?How can you tell whether your Goldfish is... Read More
Most dogs live between ten and seventeen years. The relationship... Read More
The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your... Read More
If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh... Read More
1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More
Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More
The first dog trick that is generally taught a dog... Read More
Wolves are magnificent and majestic creatures that have shared this... Read More
Do you really get the fullest amount of enjoyment out... Read More
I get a lot of horse training questions about stopping... Read More
Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and... Read More
There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More
According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
A German Shepherd puppy can become a very welcome member... Read More
Like us, birds need variety in life. To be happy... Read More
Puppy training can and should begin the day you bring... Read More
Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing... Read More
This may come as a surprise...but if the tables were... Read More
Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More
Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present... Read More
one time home cleaning Buffalo Grove ..It was November and I had spent 3 months searching... Read More
Brings live to your community tanksMany freshwater fish-keepers have a... Read More
What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did... Read More
Do you really get the fullest amount of enjoyment out... Read More
Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and... Read More
When it comes to the art of giving, a gift... Read More
Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs.... Read More
'I named all kittens, although they were all stillborn.' 'My... Read More
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More
Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels... Read More
So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
If you are thinking of adding a feline to your... Read More
The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior... Read More
Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & TraditionalFlea Bite Treatments***Chemicals that... Read More
Almost without exception, breeders will advertise that their favorite terrier,... Read More
Large dogs and extra large dogs require more thought and... Read More
Most pet owners have become very educated about their pet... Read More
* Lock things up that could cause harm* Keep the... Read More
Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More
I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More
Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More
Pet |