365 Days in Horse Country – Proper Leading
One of the first things you learn about horse handling is how
to lead. Seems simple enough; just grab
the lead rope and walk, and the horse will follow. Of course, that’s not all there is to
it. Leading safely and correctly is
another story.
People who have been around horses all their lives are usually the worst culprits when it comes to unsafe leading. They have become so comfortable around horses, they don’t think about what could happen if they are walking directly in front of the horse, are wearing flip-flops instead of boots, or have the excess lead rope wrapped in a coil. But think about these situations and what could occur. If the horse spooks from behind, she could run the handler over. Id she steps on the handler’s bare feet, she could break bones. If she bolts and runs off, she could drag the handler by the hand when the coiled lead rope tightens.
When it comes to leading, always do it right. Here is a refresher:
- Stand at your horse’s left, between her head and
her shoulder.
- With your right hand, grasp the part of the lead
rope clipped to the horse’s halter about 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) from the
clip.
- With your left hand, hold the remainder of the
lead rope in a folded loop.
- When you walk with the horse, make sure the
horse stays to your right side, with your body positioned between her head and
her shoulder.
Follow these basic tenets, and you’ll stay safer when leading your horse.
Michael