How to Catch a Hard-to-Catch Horse

Ask your horse to halt—or "whoa," or whatever term you use consistently—after you see that it is beginning to pay attention to you. It may start looking toward you, flicking its ears, or lowering its head.
When it does as you ask, praise the horse and send it on its way. Do this a few times so you know you are getting a consistent reaction to your command.
When you see that the horse is halting obediently on command, drop your whip and approach. If the horse stands quietly praise, scratch or pat it and walk away. Send it out at a trot again. Repeat the process until you know the horse will stand and wait for you.

Only after you know the horse will stand should you attempt to catch the horse. If it ducks away from you send it on its way and repeat the process.

Make sure there is a reward at the end of the lesson if it does stand for you. Put a lead rope on it and lead it to a treat in a bucket, do a little grooming, or give a massage. And then turn it loose in its pasture.
The next time you have a moment, visit the horse in the pasture or paddock. Let it learn that your appearance does not mean it has to go to work or suffer discomfort.

Problems and Proofing Behavior

If your horse only runs away when it sees you coming with a halter and lead rope, then always approach it with a halter and lead over your shoulder. You have to teach your horse that the appearance of the halter and lead does not mean you are going to lead it into work.

Bribing your horse with treats is only a short-term solution to your problem. You want to be able to catch your horse without carrying out a bucket or a carrot every time. And it may cause confusion among your other horses, who notice you coming with treats and want to see what's in it for them.

Friendly horses in your paddocks might help you out, however. If they will walk up to you for pats and scratches, ​your hard-to-catch horse will see their behavior and may imitate them.

Continue to visit your horse occasionally, so that it doesn’t decide your appearance means unpleasant work.