How To Lead A Horse
Below is the correct way to lead a horse in a show ring, for a vet or to spot lameness.
Make sure you are wearing the correct protective clothing- hat, gloves and boots. I think it is impractical to grab them every time you need to lead your horse but, ideally, you should if you can, and always if you have a badly behaved horse. I do always wear correct footwear i.e. boots of some sort that have good grip and protect the ankle, but often do not wear gloves or hat.
The horse can be wearing a headcollar or bridle depending on how well behaved your horse is.
Stand by your horse’s shoulder holding the rope with the back of your hand on top of the rope. This stops the rope or reins being pulled out from your hands easily and stops your fingers from being bitten. The picture where my fingers are on top is how you should not hold the rope, as it risks your fingers, and the rope being pulled loose easily. Make sure you are holding about 7 inches from the bit or link. Hold the remaining rope or rein in your hand furthest away from your horse.
Do not let the rope hang down so you can trip and do not let the rope wrap around your hand as in this picture.
Encourage your horse forward. I say “walk on” step forward and gently push my hand forward. While teaching your horse, if they are reluctant to move, you can hold a long whip in your hand furthest from the horse and, while still looking forward, gently tap them approximately where your leg would go if riding them.
Once going, try to keep straight and stay by the horse’s shoulder, making sure you keep a loose rein so the vet or judge can see the horse’s head movement. A dipping on one leg or excessive movement can indicate a lameness or stiffness.
When turning, always move the horse away from you so you are on the outside of the turn. This is so your feet do not get trodden on and the person watching can see the horse’s movement.
When stopping, just stop moving and gently apply pressure on the rope or rein if needed.
Final Thoughts
It is important to regularly practice leading as, at some point in your horse’s life, you will need to do this.
As with everything, it is a good thing that they have an understanding of what is being asked of them so that in a stressful situation, your lovely horse already knows what is expected of them, and have the confidence to proceed in a safe manner.