How to Lead Your Horse or Pony
Chances are the very first thing you'll ever do with your horse is lead it somewhere. This is a basic skill that everyone who owns a horse or pony will need to know. Walking quietly beside you is also something your horse must learn. Although it is traditional to lead on the left side, you should be able to lead from the right (offside) as well. Walking obediently beside you is the basis for many other things you'll ask your horse to do such as loading on a trailer and longeing.
What You Need
To lead your horse, you will need to have your horse properly haltered. Then you'll also need a lead rope or shank. Choose lead ropes of a thickness comfortable for your hands. Shanks of flat leather or webbing can be more difficult to handle although some people may prefer them. Many people like using thick cotton rope. If you prefer, you may want to wear gloves to protect your hands. If your horse pulls away suddenly, the gloves will protect your hands and fingers.
How to Lead
- Begin with your horse haltered with a sturdy lead rope snapped to the ring on the underside of the halter
- Standing on the left-hand side (near side) of the horse, hold the lead rope about 8 inches from the snap with your right hand.
- Hold the end of the lead rope folded to fit comfortably in your left hand. Hold around the middle of the folds so that there are no loops around your hand.
- Stand at the horse's shoulder.
- Cue your horse to walk with a slight forward motion of your right hand (not a tug or pull) on the lead rope. Say "walk" or "come" or whatever word you choose to
