Training Tip: How Well Does Your Horse Lead?

Most horse owners don’t put a whole lot of thought into how their horse leads. In fact, most people think that leading is dragging the horse from point A to point B. The truth is, horses don’t magically know how to lead; it’s important to spend time to teach them how to. Teaching your horse to lead properly will improve his ground manners by teaching him to respect your space, pay close attention and take directions from you rather than pushing you around. Leading should almost be a form of art. A horse that leads well is like your shadow: He never moves any faster or slower, but goes the exact speed you go. If you walk, he should walk. If you jog, he should trot to keep up with you.