How to Teach a Horse Ground Manners (Easy Methods)

Owning a horse with bad ground manners can be frustrating and embarrassing. In this video, I teach you easy methods for quickly correcting all of the most common ground manner issues horse owners face.
Enjoy this video? Hit Subscribe now to help me feed my horses! 🐴
Hi there! 👋 I'm Carmella. I’ve been obsessed with horses for as long as I can remember, and I make videos about all things horse training, horseback riding, and living an equestrian lifestyle. New videos are uploaded EVERY WEEK so subscribe now for more horse videos.
________________________
Read my 100+ horse articles @ equinehelper.com/!
Follow me on Instagram: @equinehelper

[@EquineHelper]

Big news! 🎉 🐎 My course on gaining & maintaining your horse’s respect is now live! If you’re interested, you can learn more here: shop.equinehelper.com/

[@michellebrooks54]

When will this be available outside USA?

[@maddenkarter3534]

Instablaster...

[@a-different-e.art.h7077]

Hi. I’m new to horse training. My girl is 14 and she -basically- knows how to be respectful of space, but she hadn’t been trained for 4 years. She’s traumatized, however, and is very sensitive to hand movement near her face. I’m working on it, but are there an alternatives to making her step over? She knows how, it’s just getting her to.

[@samson.nkonyak2106]

I don't have a horse yet but I am planning to buy one so I am preparing in advance. Learning as much as possible and at times going over to the breeders to work with the horses they own in order to get more experience.

[@michaelalawrie9327]

thank you for your videos. My partner found a horse that was going for dog food and decided to bring her home instead. Shes only 2 years old and previous owners didn't do any work with her. I'm learning from your videos how to live peacefully with this horse, not easy when its been left to rule the roost with the last owners. hopefully with manners and attention and fun for her she will be a great companion horse :) I'm a country girl but only have a small bit of horse experience. thank you for being so easy to understand

[@coleentrocke3001]

You have trained TUCKER so well! He's such a good boy! 😃 💘

[@Bee-kv5tx]

I mean do tell if this is wrong but when my horse is pushing ahead of me or going where I don't want him to go when leading him, I make him do a circle to slow him down and put him back in the path that I want him to be on. It seems to be effective for me, especially when it's obvious he's doing it out of excitement or just forgetfulness.

[@leealexander3507]

This is an especially important tool if you have an excitable horse. My personal horse is my arabian stallion and I use this often.

[@Bee-kv5tx]

@@leealexander3507 glad I'm not the only one 😊

[@Soulfireequestrian]

I love this technique and I use it constantly! I prefer this then chasing a horse backwards because if you have a sensitive or excitable horse that could make them go up

[@EquineHelper]

Thank you for watching! Please subscribe if you haven’t yet, and comment below if there’s a specific topic you’d like me to cover in a video!

[@mackensiaauth5543]

I have new horse I need him to face me and respect my space he's very pushy

[@syedmrizvi4552]

@@mackensiaauth5543 did you find a solution?

[@mackensiaauth5543]

I just kept working with him since he was rescue with basically he's finally coming alone :)

[@badlander2000]

I really like your style. Ive recently taken on a project pony, and I think a lot of these are exercises that we can use.

[@badlander2000]

I have also been working with two other ponies with different issues, maybe you can help. 1. My old man. Bombproof, broke to death, but no concept of personal space or how to lunge. Because he's so unflappable normal "pressure" doesn't do anything. Whacking him with a stick doesn't even help. At 27 it honestly doesn't matter if he learns, but he's the perfect guinea pig for me cause it's not like I can screw him up. 2. My current riding pony. He's an Arab. Also very broke, but very spooky. I think he struggles with confidence. Any advice? I should probably mention that since quarentine I've been wrangling all three of them without the expertise of my trainer :( which is why I've turned to the internet.

[@UndergroundRailoadTVshowinChic]

Thanks from Chicago

[@juno238]

Thanks! Definitely going to try these exercises out with my new mini, we’re trying to get her ready for my 4 year old niece to ride and take care of her and she has horrible manners and is very pushy but I’m excited to try these! She basically has most of these issues with walking ahead, getting in my space, and trying to eat as much as she can while we pull her away, thanks for making this! 😊

[@omshantihealingwithjill1805]

love your vids, learning a lot. First time owner as of a week ago. Sat on her bare back in her run after giving her hay. Just hung out as a passenger and brushed her while singing. Big step for me and us.

[@swordofthefang]

Thank you so much for this video. My mare has suddenly become buddy sour and she’s a nightmare on the ground now. I’m going to try some of these techniques!

[@Madisyn_Mustang_Makeover]

This video is great for me because I am getting a wild mustang this year

[@ln6455]

Thank you, my horse does all of these behaviors. He is not trained and I have rescued him and trying to work with him.

[@laurenrawlinson7495]

Just found your channel and I am obsessed!!

[@leealexander3507]

You might want to remind people to get behind the driveline when lunging. It lets the horse know you want him to move forward. This is one of the most important training tools.

[@klarakozakova907]

Good reminders. My horse was well mannered. I didn’t correct the bad behaviour so we are going back to basics. Thank you !

[@sharonrich7414]

Thanks , very helpful!

[@katygarza-bair4163]

You really are a terrific instructor. Nice step by step clear instruction. I always try to stay calm so I visualize what I want the horse to do. Also, I watch what time of day I work with a horse. Just like humans so horses are not easily responsive in the morning so I work with that horse perhaps in the late morning while it is still cool…not so hot as the afternoon.

[@westernshack]

thanks for all the info!!

[@blountfarms3660]

Awesome job. Absolutely adorable. Thank you for the hard work.

[@kathrynvearrier3374]

I love this channel💕💕💕

[@whitesoxrules]

Thank you for these! I am in the process of getting my polo horse this year and your videos are super helpful!!! I have been leasing for almost a year but still...there are lots to learn!!

[@sophiabennett8027]

This is a huge help thank you.

[@rebeccahindwoods9909]

Your videos are so helpful. Thank you so much for being so kind to share them with us . ❤️❤️

[@roseault6335]

Really helpful thank you!

[@caryndert4726]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@staciewilsonmumpower6986]

Thank you! So helpful!

[@rebeccakerin5547]

"Tucker isn't a pushy guy" *tucker yawns 😂😂

[@graczkowskifamily]

I appreciate the thoroughness and lengths of your videos.

[@profssipe]

I really appreciate the way you approach horse training. It is really beneficial to me and my horse. Thanks so much!!

[@twiggycat1000]

Very good! great advice

[@raula.jimenez3560]

Thank you for sharing all your knowledge by the way, God Bless You 🙌

[@britneyfirehunter8984]

My horse went lame and after just a week off he has gotten so pushy! He is the type of horse that needs consistency so I think he is just getting a bit mad that I am taking him out. I will definitely need to go back to teaching ground manners

[@xcountrygirlx158]

I started watching ur videos and I started trying this on my mare and she picks up on it very well I love ur methods

[@christinerolando3506]

Good advise. Well done !!!

[@jaxturner6896]

I love your videos!

[@missymama6492]

Thank you so much for all these training tips. While I’ve owned 5 different horses, I have boarded my horses and someone else has always taken care of them. Now we are getting a farm and I need to know all these tips and techniques myself. Your training has been very beneficial for me. Thank you!

[@gabbycutone4494]

Your channel has been so helpful! I've been working with my mother-in-laws green horse and I'm a green rider. I no I no awful. These videos have been so helpful and I'm much more confident now!

[@cakesandsprinklesbylauren8796]

Thank you for this! I rescued 2 yearlings and they haven’t much done. They’re quite spooky and these tips will help a lot!

[@stacieelam229]

Tuck is a beautiful horse and such a good boy!!

[@rebeccamelley2885]

I just adore Tucker & his trainer. Wow! They are both great

[@dosazsolt9725]

that is a beautiful horse, I like the way he is listening to everything while you make the speech :)

[@mdaziz-ep3wz]

Really good idea ❤❤

[@briannawestmoreland6298]

Great Video! What about getting your horse into a stall beside a marish Mare. One that always sticks her head out and tries to bite your horse on the flanks when you are trying to put your horse into the stall. This always makes me nervous and uncomfortable.

[@kariblazek6630]

Tucker is such a good boy!!

[@curtfreese9156]

Great video!

[@evanhoover2447]

So horses are just big scaredy cats. Haha how cute!

[@EquineHelper]

They definitely can be at times! Here's my guide for desensitizing horses to scary situations if you're interested: equinehelper.com/bombproof-and-desensitize-a-horse-ultimate-guide/

[@klinteastwood1007]

Well they’re prey animals.

[@lovinpitbull8190]

@@klinteastwood1007 right

[@mariepigen08]

Pretty much

[@jkandmillie5401]

Im going to try these with one of my trainers geldings. His name is Dillon and he has HORRIBLE ground manners.

[@mrsgallie]

Your videos are so helpful. Do you think you could do one like this one on practice trailering with a horse? I will be needing to trailer my horse places but he has never been taught to trailer. Thanks!

[@helencrowdance2818]

Hi, your vids are great and I'm learning a lot. My horse has started being really difficult about me cleaning his feet and he knocked me on my backside. He was fine when I first got him, but now I'm worried he will hurt me or himself. How can I encourage him to pick his feet up and stand quietly as I clean his hoof?

[@dragonlover5601]

I love your videos. Just started watching them. I have a 17-21 year old horse who was at my dad’s house when I was younger that hasn’t been messed with, aside from feeding and petting, for the last few years and I need to start working with him. I remember he used to lean on me with his shoulder any time I had to lead him, and he would always try to eat grass when being lead. He’s been in my family since he was 6, but with divorced parents and custody time frames, my dad, my cousin, and I would take turns caring for him. Dad won’t ride, and my cousin has moved away, so now it’s up to me if I want a horse that can be ridden again.

[@charlottedowns8181]

Can you do videos on what to look for to know if you’re horse isn’t okay (like if they have Colic, cancer, etc)

[@prontoandjuliette12522]

This was so helpful bc my 4 yr old is food aggressive, and we cannot sort this out

[@malikhassanawan6457]

Very Nice And Appreciated ...

[@poppycoasby7251]

Got any groundwork tips for people training younger prebroken horses, are these tips still applicable? Really informative vid, and Tuckers gorgeous

[@EquineHelper]

Hi Poppy! Sorry for the late response! These are the first exercises I do with any horse, as it teaches them to respect me. And thank you for the comment!

[@Bee-kv5tx]

@@dariaharruff7025 neither do you when you were taught things like "don't scream in public unless you need to" and do you feel bad about that? Not to mention that your horse should actually like you if training works.

[@Bee-kv5tx]

@@dariaharruff7025 ?

[@britleblanc6000]

@@dariaharruff7025 you can have personal freedom, but lose herd protection. Your horse sees you as herd, if they think your smart or not is where you fall in pecking...

[@jg5755]

@@dariaharruff7025 Because there are rules of behaviour in life whatever kind of animal you are. Horses are big, potentially deadly animals especially if they have no respect for humans. Horses social lives with other horses is ruled by respect (as are human lives). Horses are incredibly sensitive to the cues from other herd members. You cannot be a friend to or successfully work with someone who doesn't respect you.

[@joshknight6145]

That's a pretty pony I have started working with horses and ponies I enjoy working with them

[@emilyschwenneker975]

Your horse is so beautiful and your method is so neat. :)

[@katherinelipczynski761]

I love Tucker 🥺

[@veeh.7411]

This is vrey helpfull, expresuly with the grazying part. I got one issue tho, I have up and down hills- any tips?

[@carolannwood3586]

Thank you your video was very helpful, I need help with making my horse stand during grooming and biting me. Do you have videos for that?

[@lshea1949]

This is great advice and beautifully filmed and explained. I have a 3 yrs old and he doesn’t know about picking up his feet to be handled or picked. Can you give some advice?

[@aimeesehl7637]

Any videos on horses that try to escape out of the stall when you have the door racked because you went in to throw hay or pick the stall? Or when you open the door they sometimes try to push by you? Also looking for guidance on 2 bonded horses ( both in teens and newly brought together) and taking 1 for a ride while the other is calling out and the one you took starts to freak out and becomes nervous or scared and just wants to get back to the other horse.

[@margaretzelenka3336]

We just got our first horse about a month ago. She doesn’t always stop in the crossties. She seems to speed up after turning her around. Now we have gotten used to it and can stop her, but she’s pulled the groom, farrier and others when we are not there. She has a chain on her lead rope, but that gets overlooked by the others. Also, I’d like to be able to stop using the chain eventually. Which of the concepts in this video on ground manners applies to our situation? Thank you for your videos. My daughter and I have been enjoying them.

[@ellieboye1111]

Thank you so much for this video! Like always they are so so helpful! But what do I do when my horse is pushing back when I try to back him up? Like he is raising his front legs towards me or just walks past me?

[@boricuachick88]

Your awesome and your teaching me so much im a city girl (brooklyn NY) now i am in the country. I am looking into getting a mule and I can use any advice you can give me. I am a first time owner and I want to use the loving but assertive owner I see you as. I have been training dog for 15 years and I think your horse training is amazing

[@samanthahornbeck2471]

Hi Carmella, I want to thank you for all of your videos. I have a new horse and am learning so much! I notice that I never see you give Tucker treats. Is there a specific reason for this? I've been giving mine treats for everything. For ex. he hates the bridle. I give him a treat every time I put the bridle on, every time I tighten the gurth, etc. Is there a reason I shouldn't be doing this? Thanks in advance!

[@katakiraly3774]

Hey carmella i love your videos been helping a lot we just bought a new horse she is an Arabian horse she is 5 years old and was miss treated before she is is scared of everything noises lung ropes human touch could you gives us some pointers how to start working with her

[@sseeback6754]

Tucker always looks like why me!

[@megequestrian8692]

Nice video! I think it would be an amazing 🤩 video if you could do “ The difference between English riding and western riding!” I love ❤️ how cute 🥰 tucker is 🌸 I would be so happy if you could be my couch but you don’t live in the same place as me 😢

[@Veer1991]

Love your video's. I have a question. What can I do when my horse is walking backwards when I try to move her shoulders away from me. She is very young and I just started working with her. Thereby, she runs towards food (buckets of hay) in the corridor of the stables, wat can I do to correct this behaviour in a narrow place?

[@inderpalsingh3224]

Wonderful information, please conduct a programme on how to ensure that the horse walks in high neck position.

[@mshonesteyes]

what if you want to hand graze your horse? you seem to not let them graze when in halter/bridle, whoch i would agree with, but how do you signal the okay without confusing them? thanks and love your content!

[@DazlinCaslin]

You're awesome and I so appreciate your techniques. I love your videos. I lost my.first older horse this summer. Now I have a 14 yo qh. And she's awesome but we are getting to know one another. Her ground manners are amazing. Her round pen discipline now so much. Praying she's is comfortable under saddle (she should be) but I wanna keep working on her on the ground first. Hit me up if u can. I'd love to just chat :) HNY!

[@lilnugget4156]

Hello! Lots of help needed 😣! My horse is a stubborn mare (20 yrs old) and she’s super food/pasture aggressive so we’ve been try to work her on a lounge line in the pasture but it’s not working at all. When I try to lounge she throws her hip and tries to kick me when things like this happen I get nervous and I think it rubs off on her. Any advice?

[@syedmrizvi4552]

Hi EH I have a colt who stops and stays behind me when we coming back home? Any help?

[@Mara-fv8lg]

I can't do the food box one since my horse only eats in her stall

[@arkansasfarmpack4743]

Question! When I am trying to get my horse to move her shoulders over she does not budge. I can move my hand as much as possible in front of her face and use my lunge whip, I can even push her shoulder. She won't move. Am I doing something wrong? Or do I just keep doing this until she finally moves then I can release the pressure of my body?

[@EquineHelper]

It’s important to remember to move towards the horse too. Bringing your hand up to the eye is the first cue, moving toward them is the second cue. What happens if the horse doesn’t move out of the way? You walk into them and push them over. Some horses will need to start here before they understand just moving away from the hand. Hope this helps!

[@arkansasfarmpack4743]

Equine Helper thank you!

[@Sas.louie66]

I know this video was a year ago but could you do a video for what do to discipline when your horse bites when you do the girth up ect.

[@diannafinewood2639]

Great video! Thank you! Also, I really like your halter / lead line...where did you buy it? God bless :)

[@laurawittmann3837]

That’s called bronc halter

[@3000xSvendsen]

Tucker just standing there being a good boii 😇

[@nican6282]

Any advice on getting a young gelding to stop backing out every time we try to put the headcollar on? 😬 He's a new Foster & is generally well behaved but likes a good kick on occasion 😅

[@acornhomestead3575]

I really like your style too. I've a question. My friend has a 4 year old 11h pony who when me and his wife are riding this wee pony tries to push ahead and trails him to be out in front. What can we do to help this pony remain in whatever position we walk her in?

[@AppyVeterans]

What should i do when i try to make corrections to my yearling and he rears up from disliking it? Continue on as is or take an extra step to make sure they know that is wrong?

[@AppyVeterans]

Btw you’ve hit a lot of great pointers I’ve needed from my horse being pushy when i lead him and not respecting boundaries during lunging 👏🏼

[@bluemambagaming4577]

my horse only pushes me in winter i think it might be because he wants me to hurry up so he can get warm faster because when i speed up then he does not do it

[@sherrypipta3810]

I have a young gelding that's almost 2 :-). He's really green about getting in "personal space" but is nervous and flighty due to the unknown in training. Do you have recommendations for a "green been"? :-)

[@joannashinn4216]

I cant get my mustang to lunge. She basically walks into me. My boy will yield his hind quarters but not circle.

[@ashleyw6880]

Do you always work in a rope halter?

[@wickedangel4877]

I have a weird question how do you tech your horse to play with the enrich meant toys. I got my first horse in a really weird situation he is a former racehorse and I am having a hard time teaching him things like how to slow down and have fun. He had been beat down and injured before he got to me. He is only 8 years old so I know he can learn and I am learning with him but I feel like I am playing a game for the first time on hard mode. Idk if that is the right analogy.

[@tp7283]

The horse I work with won't stay to the side of me, he is constantly trying to put his head over mine and his feet are so close to mine that I nearly get stepped on. How do you make them create the "vertical" space as well as backing up a bit?

[@tucuchee]

Could you please explain exactly what you are doing with the lunge whip at the beginning when you are asking him to move his shoulders over? Are you touching him with it, waving it up and down, or what?

[@mercylyons1404]

What should I do when my yearling wants to act up when I'm leading her,consisting of bucking,kicking out,and rearing when she's really excited about something?

[@CaptureTheEssence]

Hi - I am having a respect issue with my horse and trying to find resources. The short story is that he does not take me seriously. Even if I try to free lunge in a round pen, he doesn't move away from me. When riding, it translates to him stopping and refusing to move. I am getting very frustrated but I know the underlying issue is respect, but I don't really know where to start

[@erindierkes7628]

What about when the horse is very close to the stall door when you want to take him out? Should i back him up using your method of getting him out of my space?

[@alexjohnson611]

I have a colt who is constantly In my space specially when it comes to new things if I shake my lead and back him up he rears, and when asked to move when eating grass he automatically starts cantering he doesn’t trot any ideas

[@VTVET2001]

I have a horse that I have gotten to readily go onto trailer but he will only stay in for 15-30 seconds before backing out. If I place the butt bar on he pushes against it and tries to go under it. Any hints on how to work with him so he stays on the trailer and then doesn’t freak out when the butt bar is in place?

[@paigeroach9708]

How to go about disciplining a 4 month old colt for nipping? He is not really aggressive with it however I don't want this to continue and become a big problem.

[@cattamerann]

Hello, we bought a bay mare from our neighbors, and she and the lead mare are bffs. When I take her out of the field for training, she won't listen as the lead mare constantly calls to her. What should we do to correct that, we are moving her soon to her own barn and all, but they are right next door. It doesn't help that the lead mare has no manners at all and was slapped in face by the first owner as "training". My horse is now picking up some of her distrust and shying away from stuff she never used too. tks

[@the_sky_is_blue1239]

this video was so helpful. i do have a question though. i have a horse who tends do instead of trotting he gallops even though im asking for trot. i dont even apply pressure the second he get in the round pen or hes on a lounge rope he just gallops and im not sure how to stop him from doing this and I promise i literally apply no pressure at all and he just gallops and bucks.

[@EquineHelper]

I totally understand; most horses think that lunging means they can run around like crazy! When this happens, just tell the horse to stop by disengaging the hind end. Any time the horse goes faster than a walk, make them stop and start again. I recommend doing this on a line before going into the round pen

[@jadeowen9966]

Hi I have recently bought a yearling. I’m working on ground manners with her and bathing her. She doesn’t like the hose pipe or water im wondering if you can shed some light on how I can get her used to the water and the pipe. I’ve started with a sponge but when she sees the sponge she tries running away. Thank you. Jade and Gareth

[@EquineHelper]

Hi Jade! I start by simply holding running water at the horse's hooves. The hooves are a good place to start because the horse can't feel as much there. Slowly start to work your way with the hose up the horse's leg/over their body. If at any point the horse gets uncomfortable, bring the water back down to the horse's hooves. It takes patience, but this has worked numerous times for me!

[@paulinerai5078]

I’m really enjoying your videos , my horse is spooky passing cars , she races down too the field to get in with the herd also , can you please help , many thanks