For instance, you’ll use a lead rope to communicate with the horse about the direction, speed, and nature of motion you want it to take. But let’s be honest: the rope is not leading the horse, you are.

So in philosophical terms, lead really is a measure of your dominance within the relationship. It’s a reference to your leadership in all matters of directing and controlling the horse.

It’s a good idea to initiate lead training indoors, or at least in an area with minimal distraction and noise. This will make it easier for a new horse to focus on your communications.

And probably the first time you bring the horse into the training area, he/she is going to want to check everything out. You can avoid a lot of conflict and distraction by simply allowing your horse a few minutes to investigate the area, and gently assuming a dominant position over a period of a few minutes.

Over time, you will be able to direct the horse anywhere in the arena, adjusting speed and direction as you see fit, and successfully executing stops and starts at will.

Originally posted 2008-05-31 01:27:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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