knowing-how-to-lead-your-horse-can-keep-you-out-of-trouble

By Karine Vandenborre

Knowing how to lead your horse
can keep you out of trouble

In the last 2 weeks, I've received five questions from horsewomen experiencing problems with their horses, of which I know ask for the same way of working.


The problems and "solutions" in leading your horse

One lady's dealing with a 13-year-old gelding who's quite nippy when leading him. Another has a young mare that recently knocked her over. 

Then there's a horse that's impatient when being led to the pasture, one that bolts into the stable, and another doesn’t want to come along.

One person said to have solved this by keeping her horse on a shorter lead, another mentioned giving her horse a quick tug on the rope whenever he tries to bite her, and yet another admitted to letting someone else handle her horse to the pasture because she's become fearful herself.


The right solution

Although connection work is always of major importance, there is something else that all these horsewomen should do: lead exercises.
Lead exercises aren't just "ordinary" exercises; few people realize that they form the foundation of groundwork. Without proper leading, you'll struggle to make progress in any other aspect of groundwork.

A horse that bites? Lead exercises
A horse that knocks you over? Lead exercises.
A horse that bolts into the stable? Again, lead exercises.
A horse that's impatient when being led? Yes, lead exercises.
A horse that's reluctant to follow? You guessed it, lead exercises

It's all interconnected

But correct leading is also crucial and a necessity during trailer loading, traffic training, and obstacle training.
Moreover, proper leading will ensure smoother lunging, in-hand work, and even riding. Yes, riding too!
Because when you can lead your horse better during leading exercises, it'll also be easier to lead your horse when you’re in the saddle.
And incorporating "waiting exercises" during leading sessions will translate to better standing still under saddle too.

As always: everything is interconnected.
So, my advice is when it comes to groundwork: focus on mastering correct and mindful leading! Do it right from the start, and you'll avoid many problems later on!

Need help with your leading skills?

Not sure where to begin? Or need help with leading your horse in a mindful, and confident way? 

In the module about lead exercises you'll find 15 videos covering the ins and outs of the 3 lead positions: leading from the lead position, the partner position, and the drive position.


With Love,
-- Karine

Not sure where to begin? Or need help with leading your horse in the lead position, the partner position, and the drive position? Don't worry, you've come to the right place. Groundwork is part of my Liberty & Beyond Program. In this online program I coach horsewomen and their horse(s) from A to Z.  

I do want to emphasize here that this A to Z journey is often underestimated. 

I see it happening so much... People start training their horse in groundwork, but the foundation is not there yet. And the foundation is natural connection, clear communication and calm confidence at liberty first! In my work with challenging and traumatized horses, I learned that this is the safest way to go, the easiest way to go and the smartest way to go. It's also the most natural way to go for horses, the most relaxing way to go for horses and the most horse-friendly way to go for horses.

So if you too want to enjoy good and mindful groundwork, don't skip Liberty Connection Work!

What can you do now?

The best place to start is by doing the Bonding Time Deep Dive mini-course. If you’d like to work with me, this is where your journey begins.

This super affordable course gives you a true feel for my approach, and it offers a gentle way to dip your toes in before making a larger investment in your growth as a mindful horsewoman.

If you have any questions, don’t be shy. I’d truly love to hear from you. ♡

With love,
-- Karine