How to Teach a Horse to Lead Safely and Respectfully, Part I

This is part 1, to Caroline Beste's Question and Answer Blog (www.taoofhorsemanship.com). The question is about leading your horse, and why Caroline teaches leading in this way, and why it is safe for you and your horse.
Caroline Beste is internationally known for her intuitive, passionate, and clear approach to horsemanship. Her philosophy focuses on the depth of relationship between horse and rider, where mind-body connection and clear, subtle pathways to communication and harmony are achieved. To find out more about Rider Horsemanship, visit: www.taoofhorsemanship.com.

[@angiech1983]

I was trampled by my daughters horse who spooked and ran me over, so I am gun-shy about walking in front of any of our horses, but I love your technique and explanation about how you're not being mean, but simply telling them, this is my space and I'm the boss. Thank you for this!

[@yeefrikinhaw07]

Thank you so much for this! My horse always runs ahead of me and I’ve been trying to find ways to prevent that from happening. So thanks a lot, this really helped me.

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Danielle and Welcome! You are so welcome. Glad I could help you and your horse. If you would like to learn more, click here for my online courses and video library: www.taoacademy-horse-training-courses.com/.

[@faramund9865]

Thanks a lot. We have a lot of horses round her and I made friends with a girl who has horses and she allows me to walk with her horses in her field. It’s really a great opportunity. I love how when you talk about the horse not respecting the space you immediately switch to ‘he/his’. I’ve found stallions, especially young ones, are quite stubborn and will test you! This info will be really helpful and I hope to win his respect.

[@kellyhandley94]

I like the way you explain everything clearly, thank you

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Kelly and Welcome! Great to hear, thank you!

[@mikey188834]

I love this leadership method

[@michellelynne7196]

That is so brilliant. Thank you for sharing these important techniques.

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

+Michelle Ruffin-Stein Thank you Michelle! I look forward to keeping in touch! Warmly, Caroline

[@deannewatts773]

Absolutely love ur videos

[@suzieparks3528]

You are good! I'll try this.

[@melissacoleman5822]

Omg omg omg you are such a good horse trainer I ❤️your channel

[@Dressagio]

absolutely brilliant thankyou! just started sharing a thoroughbred mare so this will definitely help me❤️

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Fantastic!

[@InfusedLife]

Great instruction thank you!

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Allison and Welcome! Thank you for sharing. Should you want to learn more about Caroline’s training, she has a large DVD selection www.taoofhorsemanship.com/shop and online training courses with lifetime access so please be sure to check them out. They offer more detail and instruction than the DVD collection. Please click here to learn more www.taoofhorsemanship.com/. If you have any additional questions please email us at [e-mail]. XO, Sabrina

[@musiclovergirl13]

Hello! I really love your approach and find it so gentle and effective. Thank you for this video. I hope to be able to use this technique working with my herd bound pony who gets obstinate about being taken away from her herd mates.

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hello and Welcome Musiclovergirl! Great to hear how well my work resonates with you and is working for you! The free training videos that I offer on my youtube channel are just the beginning! Should you want to learn more about my method - the level of personal development, spiritual transformation, deep and rewarding relationship you achieve with your horse during training and learning together as well as the ride of your dreams, take a look at my Tao of Horsemanship Online Academy Training Courses for People and Horses. Here is the commercial for the Academy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2O3d2Z5hbpkhMU. You can learn more about the Academy, details of courses provided and costs here: www.taoacademy-horse-training-courses.com/taomethodcourse

[@musiclovergirl13]

Thank you for your reply! I appreciate you sharing this with me!

[@blume2793]

I have a broken shoulder because on one occasion I decided to walk in front of my horse and she spooked and it didn't work out well for me. I usually walk beside her so have always been able to see when she spooks. She was an abused horse and is very sensitive, and I have become very worried around her as she is even more spooky since the incident. I am not sure if Ill be able to work with her again. I love how you train your horses, you are very kind, and very inspirational.

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Blume and Welcome! I am so sorry to hear about your accident. My method of leading is not just about being in front of your horse, it's about developing the necessary trust and respect needed from your horse to be able to lead in front safely. If you watch this video again and stop it each time I explain and demonstrate a building block you will see (and hear me explain) how I teach my horse to back away from rhythmic pressure and stand quietly FIRST and BEFORE I walk off. This building block, or step, is so important to establishing trust (with fearful horses) and respect from more dominant horses. It's not always an easy step to accomplish either as most horses will want to run through the pressure. I work with so many traumatized and challenging horses and this exercise is the first thing they learn. It works if you do it correctly and consistently. In the end you are developing a mindset of confidence, trust, respect and focus. Keep me posted! Warmly, Caroline

[@blume2793]

Thanks for your reply, I did pick up on the preparation you go through before walking ahead of a horse, greatly appreciate the training. My confidence in being with my horse again will need to be built up, but am wanting to heal first. Really love what you do, thank you so much.

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

You are so welcome Blume! Please keep me posted on your healing and progress with your mare. Warmly, Caroline

[@gerrycoleman7290]

If you are worried around her, she will be worried. A horse is a reflection of you. The fact that she was abused means nothing. It is what you do now means everything. You must be viewed by the horse as the fair and trusted leader of the herd.

[@avakmorris4516]

How can you train a ride and mean Colt that is a gypsy on the lead rope

[@teresasmith6946]

Thanks for the video. I have a 10-month-old Arabian. We're both still learning each other, and currently, he's in my space all the time. My first big mistake was giving treats by hand and now I have a cookie monster (nipper and mouthy colt). While I'm working him on leading, he is walking into me and nipping, also chewing on leadline. I'm working to undo the habit he now has with his mouth.

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Teresa and Welcome! Your baby horse is being normal and showing healthy behavior. Boy foals, weanlings, young horses are naturally more playful, mouthy, pushy etc and that's mostly because of their testosterone, even when gelded. The other important factor to raising young horses is stepping in, becoming the parent they no longer have. In the wild, babies stay with their parents for years and mares for life (most). Babies depend on parenting and social dynamics within the herd for support as they grow and learn how to be. Now that you're raising this young colt, you need to learn how to raise him so he can be a young horse while learning how to be around you and other humans. In regards to giving treats, I give my horses treats all the time, including the babies I've raised. It's up to you to teach them how to take a treat properly. I offer online courses that can teach you how to develop your young horse as well as coaching sessions. Should you need some advice please don't hesitate to book a coaching session www.taoofhorsemanship.com/virtual-lessons-and-coaching.

[@holistichomeopathy-nz]

Hello - I love your method. My daughter is just learning to ride and I wonder how the methods work with children getting respect and leadership with their horse. What are your suggestions for children working with horses?

[@henryhenry903]

Tania Aroha-Twentyman first of all depending on the age and experience level of the cild is weather or not it is a good idea for them to be working with a horse that does not have a good solid foundation of respect for people in general. That being said it sounds to me like you’re daughter is new to horses and I would recommend a well broke/trained horse that has been used for ranch work for years, because there is nothing better for making a good sound respectful horse that can handle any situation without spooking and running over someone than a well trained seasoned ranch horse (and I stress well trained and seasoned because not all ranch horses are well trained or seasoned) my experience with horses was we got two weaned colts and my mom said the best way is for them to grow up together lol well they both grew up to be the dominant member in our relationship and they would bite, kick, paw, and run you over if you didn’t move, we rode them but it was only where they wanted to go, that being said when my kids ride (they are 4 and 2) I put them on my oldest and most seasoned horses because I know they have the same respect for my kids as they do for me and I don’t have to worry about the horse spooking or running them over when being led

[@rheanamorgan792]

I have a horse who when i stop, and look at him, freaks out in a way like runs backwards. i think i went to high energy at first with teaching him to stay out of my space. how do i make it less stressful / less of a dramatic reaction when i stop? Great video! thanks

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Rheana and Welcome! Oh my! He sounds super sensitive. Was he always like this, before you practiced my exercise? If not, you definitely came on too strong. In either case, you can fix this by repeating the exercise and going slower, adding energy/aids, slowly and only as need be and most importantly talking to him the entire time and smiling so he feels your relaxation and love. Tell him good boy and thank you. Horses understand emotion and facial expressions so be careful to include positive reinforcement and praise always when teaching. Hope that helps and keep me posted!

[@krismatthews4166]

If my filly runs into the rope, rather than away - and gets worked up and all over the place, how do I deal with that? How do I get that CALM mind? :)

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Kris and Welcome! Wow, that's a loaded question and one that cannot be answered easily however I can show you the "how to." Should you want to dive deeper into my method and relationship building program please consider my online training course called The Tao Method. The Tao Method Course is a step-by-step training curriculum that focuses on developing oneness between horses and people, in mind, body and soul, so that they can learn and work together. It is an accumulation of all my training (not problem solving) DVD's and so much more. It is very comprehensive, with 12 months of course videos to watch, study and practice. Tao of Horsemanship Online Academy Limited time offer SO get started today for only $34.95! riderhorsemanship.com/index.php/tao-horsemanship-online-academy/ The online Tao method Course works for both beginners to my method, and horse trainers. There are at least 7 learning module videos presented each month along with supplemental reading materials and "How to" practice sheets. The course is a step-by-step training and teaching curriculum that is based upon both my foundation training program for horses and my apprenticeship program for students. Basically, I am teaching you how to train your horse using my methods. This link takes you to my online academy riderhorsemanship.com/index.php/tao-horsemanship-online-academy/. The academy host 3 courses to select. The course I am recommending is the Tao method Course www.schoox.com/bundle/28/The+Tao+Method+Monthly+Subscription. Once you enroll you are on a monthly subscription plan that allows you 24/7 access to any and all monthly videos. You can cancel at any time. The videos are organized into 12 months with Course 1 being where you would begin. In order for the training curriculum to work correctly for both you and your horse you would need to follow the numerical order of the courses beginning with 1 then 2 then 3 and so on. Each monthly course contains a minimum of 7 videos. A little about my purpose and why I developed The Tao Method Course. I am a rehab and foundation specialist. I have dedicated my life's work to helping both horses and people find the connection in the work their hearts desire as well as learn how to work together and in relationship. Should you be interested in learning more about my work and how to build the dream relationship and oneness we all seek when we ride, please read on about my online training program, the Tao Method Course. My method of horsemanship is founded on a relationship oriented training program that is compassionate, spiritually driven, mindful, solution-focused and REAL - it really works! R - Revolutionary E - Effective A - Amazing L - Loving I have a proven method of training and rehabbing horses that not only answers ALL-of-your questions while providing you with REAL solutions, it is a loving, safer and effective way to start and re-start horses. I have designed the most comprehensive training and solution based online equine academy available! Students from all over the are now able to study from home, learning the necessary skill sets needed to master the many aspects of horsemanship. My online academy provides different courses to study with a focus on my world-renown relational approach to training and bonding horses and their people. Through my courses students will not only learn how to assess, train and problem solve, they will learn how to develop the ultimate relationship with their horse during the training process. This is what makes my training approach and method so unique and amazingly rewarding for both horse and human! The Tao Method Course is my foundational training curriculum, where I begin with each-and-every horse and person. You can now study, practice and interact with me right from your home or barnyard! Through this course you will learn how to train your horse correctly by following a step-by-step educational curriculum. While this curriculum teaches you the many building blocks necessary to develop a solid and correct foundation it also focuses on you and your horse's learning aptitude and emotional, mental and physical well-being during the process. The Tao Method Course dives deeply into the psyche, heart and bio-mechanics of horses, taking you step-by-step into the following areas of horsemanship: - Horse psychology - Learn about equine nature and specific temperament - Learn how to assess and work with learned behaviors - Develop deep connections and feelings of "oneness" when working with our horses - Learn about yourself during the process - Develop deeper mind-body awareness, spirituality and intuitiveness - Learn how to speak the Language of Equus through mind, body and soul work - Work with energy, Chakra's when connecting and communicating deeply - Develop feel and timing, the "Holy Grail" of horsemanship through specific techniques and exercises - Become a better diagnostician and problem-solver - Learn about the bio-mechanics of movement - Learn how to "dance" at liberty with your horse - Learn the Art of Lunging - Develop balance, collection and self-carriage - Develop a Classical Dressage Foundation - Learn to ride confidently and with a balanced and independent seat - Develop trust, confidence and safety when working on the ground and riding - Learn how to re-educate and rehab - Develop a fabulous, safe partner on the trail and so much more! Hope to see you on the online course discussion board! Warmly, Caroline

[@eaglelight108]

Is she directly behind your when you lead her?

[@erinvdoyle]

How would you suggest working on leading with a young horse missing its left eye? She has not been taught ground manners and I would like to start with her, but have already been knocked down as she will leap to her left and "forget" where I am if she startles, even if I've got a hand on her neck, shoulder, etc. Would you still do everything in front but to the right, where she has vision, until she learns?

[@noortjeziskoven5343]

Im dealing with this too, Young stallion blind on the left.. he is very big too so if you have found An anwser i would love to hear it!

[@erinvdoyle]

@@noortjeziskoven5343 Hi Noortje. I started leading her from the right side and that made a big difference as far as my safety while she was learning. Mine is a broodmare, so we've been able to manage her by keeping her to a predictable routine and making sure to lead her so she can see directly objects/ people/ etc that might be spooky rather than surprising her. The more secure she feels in her daily routine, the less likely she is to react to anything unusual. Other than having to pay a little extra attention to gateways so we don't let her bang a hip, I'd hardly know she was missing an eye. Now it's mostly managing her like with any other horse, not letting her get too frustrated or energetic in her stall so she doesn't get explosive when she comes out. Hang in there!

[@noortjeziskoven5343]

@@erinvdoyle ah that's great to hear! I Just got Orlando last friday and today has been great! Only thing yo watch out for is him playing rough and not seeing you haha but i have good energy everything Will be good! Thanks so much for your anwser!!

[@erinvdoyle]

@@noortjeziskoven5343 Congratulations! Have fun with your new boy :)

[@brittanyritenour4695]

Plenty of blind horses learn all the time

[@horser8389]

I have an Arabian saddlebred cross and she is about 15hh she towers over me and has no respect at all. Her strides are really long, how do I get her strides to becomes shorter? And how do I get her to lead behind me?

[@horser8389]

When I was at the barn looking at her, Journeys strides were nice and short. When I brought her home her strides became long.

[@littleredpanda1666]

i have been trying to lead my horse for months by holding onto the lead close the the jaw but anytime i do that he will push me with his head or try and grab the lead rope, he refuses to walk next to me, i cannot hold anywhere near his head, he might be head shy as my sister use to throw buckets at his head when we were younger cause she was "scared". i have tryed not holding close and just trying to stretch my arm out next to me my arm but it is not working well, what do i do? He is the one horse i want to ride and this is the first step, if i cannot get this right how am i supposed to train him, help me please!

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi little red panda! That is a really good question that Caroline can definitely answer for you. Please email her at [e-mail] or join us on our weekly LIVE webinar Wednesdays at 12pmEST. facebook.com/TaoofHorsemanship XX Sabrina

[@gerrycoleman7290]

I hope you invite your horse into 'your space' at times.

[@yesterdayfarm5273]

I thought the same thing!

[@caroledavis9362]

Hello. Do your techniques work on colts? I have taken on a 3yr old colt that was abandoned... I would like to keep him entire until he is s bit older, so he fills out a little more. Can your techniques be used on a horse like that? Thank you in advance.

[@adrianexo21]

Carole Davis I was wondering that. I have a year old filly that was somewhat neglected and was not at all socialized until she came to us. She drug me last night! First walk with me standing next to her.

[@carriejunghans8326]

That helps a lot bc I’m getting a Shetland soon

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Carrie and Welcome! Great to hear and congrats!

[@carriejunghans8326]

Ty

[@paulinafranchini1908]

Sometimes when I swing the rope, my horse side passes behind me. What should I do about that? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Paulina and Welcome! What you're experiencing is normal behavior, and so is rushing into and through you. This is because the head/neck area is a horse's natural flight zone. When they feel threatened or they don't understand what you're asking, they instinctively do what their nervous system tells them, fight, flight or freeze. Most horses will go into flight. The best advice I can give is to learn the correct technique of both the swinging rythmic pressure and the building blocks that prepare you both so you execute your request correctly and your horse becomes a confident learner. In the end, the exercise looks easy just know there's a lot more to it than meets the eye. Make sure to slow down, take notes and keep practicing and let us know how it goes!

[@paulinafranchini1908]

@@TaoofHorsemanship Will do! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

[@user-ld2ee2bw2b]

Ha! If i walk in front she bites at me. She almost 2 and redy to be broke. Got her at an auction. She is a bit high strung and pushes, pulls and rears. Thank God I have trees in area where I am working with her. I did have 90% trust in her its 80% now. I don't know how to break her of these aggressive habbits. Hopefully your videos her her deal with me and we can become a team again. Prior to starting training never had an issue after we bonded.

[@piperd058]

How do make a horse move his feet for nipping or being mouthy without a lead rope on him?

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi and Welcome! You can teach a horse to move away from you at liberty, w/o a lead, the same way you would teach them with a lead rope. You will need xtra aids though to reinforce, and support, your request.

[@juliaflores1256]

I just got my first horse about 3 days ago. he gave himself some scrapes in the trailer (not too bad, just hairless, and not bleeding) and the same night another horse he's being pasteurized with gave him another scrape. He's been doing better. He comes when called, eats, drinks, and lets me tack him up. (I just put on the halter so he can get used to it, i haven't ridden him yet because i'd like him to be more settled in first) But when i'm leading him from the pasture to the stables, he likes to walk a little too far ahead or turn his head. I'm hoping it's just because of surroundings, but when would it be a good time to start this exercise? Even when he's walking ahead a little, he always has 1 ear and eye towards me. (He's 11 and half Quarter, half Arabian)

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hello and Welcome Julia! You can begin this exercise at any age, including weanlings and restarts, older horses. The free training videos that I offer on my youtube channel are just the beginning! Should you want to learn more about my method - the level of personal development, spiritual transformation, deep and rewarding relationship you achieve with your horse during training and learning together as well as the ride of your dreams, take a look at my Tao of Horsemanship Online Academy Training Courses for People and Horses. Here is the commercial for the Academy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2O3d2Z5hbpkhMU. You can learn more about the Academy, details of courses provided and costs here: www.taoacademy-horse-training-courses.com/taomethodcourse

[@susanfcurry]

I need help with our buckskin, gelding. He's proud cut, was gelded late, trained for Mexican drill team which I was told he wasn't geared for? He use to be a biter etc. He can not be lead. He will bat his front legs, he acts out, he rears, he knocks into you on purpose, etc. He's very dangerous and has knocked me down several times and knocked my husband unconscious! I really need help. No one will ever help or even get back to me. Please help 🙏

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Susan and Welcome! I can help you and we will need a coaching call (via Zoom) so I can explain (and it is recorded) how to develop/train your gelding so you are connected and safe. Please click here for instructions and payment www.taoofhorsemanship.com/virtual-lessons-and-coaching.

[@leealexander3507]

I prefer my horse to walk with his head next to my shoulder. If another stallion challenges him or he has to go close to a mare in season that's the best position for me to know instantly what he's going to do and remind him he's working right now.

[@danielthomas3333]

What you see here is the end product. There’s a lot more to it than she talks about

[@sarahnystrom8517]

Daniel Thomas yeah but she’s not gonna spend hours taking about the whole process and how to do it with different horses. She doesn’t have time for that. She’s just laying down the basics with us.

[@sarahnystrom8517]

And this isn’t the end product you can see in this video that Gracie is still learning.

[@sarahnystrom8517]

It be cool to have you as a contact and I could text you. But you'd probably get so annoyed because I just love you're work.

[@sarahnystrom8517]

And I would talk to you a loootttt

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Sarah and Welcome! You and I are in touch via email now! For anyone else, you can also email me at [e-mail]

[@kendalljones2254]

i see a thirsty one 👁👅👁

[@sarahnystrom8517]

Kendall Jones 🙄 WHAT!! NO. Caroline’s a really great horse trainer ( the best one out there!) and I honor, trust and respect her so much and I love talking to her!

[@meganpahl2160]

We have an Arab who never allows herself to be med out of the corral without planting her feet a d yanking away. She leads wonderfully any other time but once I. Her way out, she is very stubborn. Help!

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Megan and Welcome! Your Arab is telling you how she feels. She is showing you that she doesn't want to leave and most likely it's because she feels best in her corral. Like humans, horses have thresholds. A threshold can be an emotional, mental and/or physical saturation level. This means they can't take anymore, can't go any further/farther, and/or can't process anymore - they've hit their threshold. She has either hit all three thresholds when asked to leave her corral, her safety space, where she is most comfortable or she just doesn't want to leave because she doesn't like it anywhere else. Many horses will act this way when asked to trail ride (they bulk, plant their feet, freeze) or when asked to do arena work. This is because they most likely are over-faced on the trail and in the arena which creates anxiety, a strong dislike, negative association because of negative experiences. In my training, I teach you how to balance love (compassion, understanding, unconditional love) with leadership (guidance, boundaries, respect) in your horse handling, raising, care and horsemanship. In the end, I want my horse to enjoy being with me in everything we do together and if they are scared, worried, trust me enough to follow my leadership. If you're interested in learning how, I offer a video library monthly subscription, long distance coaching and a big training program online. Please click here to learn more www.taoofhorsemanship.com/education.

[@meganpahl2160]

Thank you for your response. I also feel like it's a combo of being with the other horses. When we leave the corral, she isn't made to work and us spoiled rotten. I'm providing a quiet environment for my daughter to bond with her first horse. I've never had this problem before but I want her to be the one to gain and get that respect. I would love to send you some video ect sometimes so you can see the positive relationship between these two. They literally found each other. I think Gracie is just set in her ways .I'm having to start her training at 11 years old. Stubborn!

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

@@meganpahl2160 Hi Megan! Wonderful to hear about your daughter's relationship with her Arab! There's nothing wrong with spoiling the ones you love. Just don't let them get spoiled! Spoiled means they lose respect. Your Arab mare needs an education and one where there is a balance of love and leadership. So much of what we've been taught, and our language about horses is based on old, outdated mindsets and attitudes about equine psychology and training , meaning, horses are not stubborn. They don't think like that, nor can they. When you think she's being stubborn, she's actually communicating with you and telling you how she feels. If we don't listen they get more upset and before you know it we are either fighting with them or forcing them and we all know how ugly that can get. It's not something we should do and there is a better, easier, way to train, develop our horses. A way that honors and respects them. Next time she balks, tell her you understand (or don't and you're trying) and at the same time learn how to be the leader she needs to trust, respect and follow. We can love our horses but love doesn't convince them to try and trust us. We need leadership skills and an education so we know what to do, and that's what I teach.

[@doreenhigham612]

I’ve been run down by a horse the respects me because he got scared at something

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Doreen and Welcome! I'm sorry to hear that. My leading method will prevent this from happening.

[@roseault6335]

That doesnt answer the wuestion

[@brittanyritenour4695]

Lead horses can push from behind and often do

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Brittany and Welcome! Yes, that is correct!

[@lucasgiannelos2978]

Yy very easy with a standing very very trained and calm horse, what about you make a video with a really strong one and not trained horse?

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Lucas and Welcome! This video is not a problem solving video, it's a training video. The two are very different. You cannot teach the "how to" with a challenging horse either and that's because the student who is new to the learning would be lost in the dynamics, thus confusing the techniques. Good teaching begins with training the student's eye so they learn what it should look like, then training the students feel and timing. Every student should learn from a school master (well trained horse) and a professional trainer/instructor, not some backyard hack. All of my online courses offer both and include tons of problem solving strategies to help both horse and human.

[@katehornberger2602]

Technically, this is negative reinforcement and the horse is fearful, that’s why he’s doing what you want. He’s not respecting you as a leader, he is on high alert. While, you’re achieving your desired outcome, the language you’re using to describe your tactics it is misleading.

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Kate and welcome! Your perception is skewed and you only see what you want to see or are capable of seeing based on your experience. My method and this technique is not about pressure and release, operant conditioning or make the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy. If you know me and my method you would understand and see the many ways I am communicating and teaching my young mate here. Most importantly teaching in a way that creates relaxation, trust and a confident learner. I think Gracie shows all of that. She is very bonded to me, soft and relaxed and connected, focused. She is not on high alert and your use of the word leader does not mean I am the boss. Not in my method. I am a leader here because I am clear, congruent, fair, effective and I have follow through. All the qualities a good mama horse has when she is raising her young. In the end I am not misleading. You are only seeing what you are capable of seeing.

[@edyrose8458]

My mini 3 yr old stallion will not lead.I bought him from a so called petting zoo I've been working with him he's never been taught anything.Hesalso a biter he wears a mini grazing muzzle when I groom him right now I'm teaching him to tie.He may be 35 inches but he thinks he's 17 hands

[@artemisiagentileschi2400]

Well you're plain lucky that you've never been run over. This is a recipe for disaster.

[@adelescott7200]

You need to establish yourself as a leader like she says...then the horse will respect and not run over you....have had horse for 35 years and haven’t been run over yet...they know better than to do that