| I’ve been around many people who try to | | | | both sides of the body too. It won’t be |
| lead a horse by controlling their head with a lead | | | | long when you will simply point at his hip and |
| rope. They end up pulling or jerking the lead rope | | | | he’ll move them for you. Do this every |
| and the horse will typically pull back or push | | | | day for a while to get it in his mind that you are |
| around the person with the lead rope. | | | | in control. |
| Ultimately, you want slack in the lead rope while | | | | Okay. Now that you moved him, turn your body |
| leading your horse because you don’t want | | | | to walk forward while holding your lead line. |
| to pull or jerk him. If your horse moves | | | | Something magical happens right here. Your horse |
| incorrectly while leading him then you can stop | | | | suddenly focuses his attention on you. He’s |
| and correct him by making him move his body. | | | | very aware of your movement and what |
| To really be successful in having control the | | | | you’re doing. If he messes up because he |
| secret is having control over your horse’s | | | | was distracted or something scared him, all you |
| body. How do you do that? By controlling his feet | | | | have to do is move his rear end again. Eventually |
| by making him move his rear end away from | | | | your horse will start gauging your pace and keep |
| you. (Also known as disengaging the hind | | | | up with you at the same pace you move. |
| quarters) Why this works so well is it alleviates | | | | If your horse starts to get ahead of you while |
| stiffness and tension and almost magically forces | | | | leading, move his hindquarters. If he’s |
| your horse to focus on you. | | | | lagging behind you, move his hindquarters. If he |
| There are few ways to get your horse to move | | | | goes off into La La Land, move his hindquarters. |
| his rear end away from you. Much of the time, | | | | Having good control leading your horse is perhaps |
| you can stand facing his shoulder and point to his | | | | the most basic training technique there is. But it is |
| hip. If he doesn’t move keep pointing and | | | | also the way we get horses in trailers, moving |
| cluck at him. If he still doesn’t move, twirl | | | | them around, bathing them, and even riding them. |
| the end of your lead rope at his hip and cluck. If | | | | This will help teach your horse to be soft and |
| he still doesn’t move tap him with the lead | | | | responsive. And if you have a soft responsive |
| rope while clucking at him. | | | | horse while you are on the ground, then you will |
| At any time he moves, take the pressure off | | | | more likely have the same kind of horse while |
| him immediately. Give him a pat and a good | | | | you’re sitting in the saddle. And that is the |
| boy and ask for another move. Repeat. Then | | | | ultimate goal. |
| ask for more steps. Remember to do this on | | | | |