| As with all my tips I won't try to tell you this is | | | | a pen where they can't get hung up, this is a |
| the only way to do it, but, these tips have | | | | good way for them to get used to it. Stepping on |
| worked best for me when halter breaking a | | | | the end of the lead rope will cause them to realize |
| horse. As with most training, it is best to start | | | | they now have something on their head that can |
| them young. A yearling is a good place to begin, | | | | stop and turn them. |
| or if the mother of the colt is gentle, you can | | | | · Once you have the halter on them and |
| begin halter breaking the colt even earlier, keeping | | | | they are starting to become used to it, there are |
| the mare nearby. Older horses can be halter | | | | a number of ways to establish control over them. |
| broken too; it just takes a little more time and | | | | If you are in a hurry and want to get the job |
| effort. | | | | done, a good way is to snub them up to a horse |
| · It helps if you have spent some time | | | | and rider. I have seen mules used as lead trainers |
| getting them gentle before halter breaking your | | | | by tying the end of the lead rope to the mule's |
| horse or colt. As a rule of thumb, it is best to | | | | tail. This can make for a bit of a rodeo though, so |
| start off very slowly getting them used to people | | | | I don't personally recommend it. |
| first, and then gradually building up to new (to | | | | · The best way is to just start working |
| them) experiences. However, if this is not | | | | with them slowly but surely, pulling and tugging on |
| possible, you can always load your horse in a | | | | the lead as they learn to follow you. You can |
| trailer or put him in a small pen to get the halter | | | | place a looped rope around their hind end to |
| on him, which is the first step. | | | | encourage them to move with you if they are |
| · Let him smell the halter and get used to | | | | being stubborn. To come to the place where they |
| it being around his head. Horses are just like | | | | will actually trot after you, this may be necessary. |
| people in a way; they like to have time to | | | | Once you have your horse leading well, you will |
| become familiar with new things. Once he seems | | | | find you can do a great deal more with him. Now |
| satisfied that the halter is not going to hurt him, | | | | might be a good time to get out a saddle and |
| slip it on him and attach a lead rope. | | | | start him getting used to that if he is big enough. |
| · Some trainers will disagree, but I like to | | | | I hope this will help you with halter breaking your |
| let them drag the lead rope for a few hours or | | | | horse. Let me know if I can help you with other |
| even over night, if possible. As long as they are in | | | | tips on horse training. |