Some thoughts that may empower your relationship
with horses from the ground

Horses are changeable from day to day and from person to person but there are some things that we can do to manage their changeable behaviour.

First I want to point out the basic nature of the horse. I believe it is important to understand the pecking order of horses to understand their basic nature. Understanding the pecking order of horses will help you in how you need to deal with your horse from the ground. My book “Naked Liberty” will give you information on the natural behaviour of horses.

Here are some important facts to consider. First, all horses have a natural desire to follow a leader, even lead horses. But most all horses will also try to take over and become a leader if you allow him to get away with certain behaviours and actions. As a leader we must keep our horse in line. If we do not exhibit leadership qualities a horse will take over leadership.

When putting a halter on your horse it is best to let the horse walk up to you rather than you walking up to the horse. This way the horse will be more compliant.

I like to see my horse turn his head towards me and drop his head into the halter. If he doesn’t do this, he will eventually, if you take your time and coax him to turn and lower his head each time you put on his halter.
Wait and make sure your horse can stand still on a loose line before walking off with him.

When you lead your horse, notice the speed he would like to walk. When you have established his natural speed at the walk ask him to walk a little faster or slower. If he is poking along ask him to walk faster. If he is in a hurry, ask him to walk slower. This will alert him that you are the leader.
Pick a straight line you intend to take and don’t let your horse choose the path. This is very important. All horses will try to get you to walk a little left and right of the course you intended to take. It is a power play your horse loves to exhibit.

Never let a horse circle around you if you can help it. Of course all of us at some time must let our horse circle us when they get out of control. The best way to get rid of this habit to control us is to give the horse leading lessons when his energy is not so out of control. When he tries to circle in his lesson, stop him. Make him wait on a dropped line and when he complies, ask him to step away from you and again to stand on a loose line. You can then proceed forward. To get him to circle you so that you may correct him is just; walk very slow and he will naturally try to circle. When you correct him he won’t be out of control and he will be much easier to train.