How to Lead a Horse

Learning to lead your horse safely
will protect both of you from possible accidents.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

1. Once the horse is haltered, position yourself on the left hand side
(the near side) of the horse.

2. Hold the lead rope in your right hand,
about 6 inches from the snap attaching it to the halter.

3. Carry the excess rope in your left hand, folded into a figure eight,
with your fingers around the outside of the rope.
This way, if your horse suddenly pulls, rope will unfold smoothly
out of your hand instead of wrapping tightly round your fingers.

4. If you desire, you can carry a 30-inch whip in your left hand,
along with the excess lead rope.

5. Position yourself at the the midpoint of his neck,
not in front of him.

6. From this position ask him to walk forward
as you normally do - cluck or use "walk-on".

7. As you walk, look where you are going and keep an active pace.
Don't try to hurry the horse by pulling on the halter.
If necessary you can give a light tap of the whip on his hindquarters.

8. If your horse tries to get ahead of you,
use a couple of light tugs on the lead rope to slow him down.

9. If he gets really obnoxious and tries to charge ahead,
turn him to the right, using your elbow in his neck if necessary,
to slow him down.

10. If he tends to drift toward you and crowd you,
bump the side of his neck with your right elbow
to tell him to keep his distance.

11. To lead at the trot (in the show ring, for example)
hold the lead rope 8 - 10 inches from the snap,
to allow the horse a little more room.

12. Ask the horse to begin trotting as you normally do -
cluck, use "trot-on" or whatever.

13. Maintain your position at the mid point of your
horse's neck as you run along beside him.

14. To slow him down, slow your own pace down and gently
pull on the lead rope. Ask him to "whoa" if necessary.

Tips:

1. Always wear gloves when working your horse in-hand,
to protect your hands from rope burns
if he should lurch or try to break away from you.


HORSE CARE INDEX