How to handle a pushy horse?

Question

i go to a barn and i love this horse like to death. i take her out on her lead rope to the cross ties but when i try to stop her, she just keeps on going and literally drags me. i jerk back and say woah. what should i do to make her stop?

Answer 1

You need to be more firm with her. If a quick yank doesn't remind her who's boss, get a lead rope with a chain on the end. Thread it through her halter (have someone show you how) and use that to lead her. A lot of horses won't try anything after that because they know it's there--you never have to use it. Don't pull on it or keep it tight; use it just like a normal lead rope. When she goes to pull you, give it a yank just like you've been doing. The chain will give you extra force that you didn't have before. After she pulls and you stop her, make her stand there until you decide to start again.



For all those who give thumbs down at the mention of a chain, tough. People must understand the difference between insisting upon respect (in which you use a chain only as intended in a situation when a regular lead rope didn't work and the situation could be dangerous) and abuse (such as if you were to beat her with the chain for no reason).



My sister's 5 y/o WP mare can be a little difficult, but if we use a lead rope with a chain, she's perfectly behaved (and we don't have to use the chain--she knows it's there). You'll rarely see a halter or showmanship horse at a big show showing without it. It's only "mean" if used incorrectly. If used correctly, it allows for more precision and control than a regular lead rope.



If the mare is pushy in other ways (like rubbing on you, crowding you, etc.), smack her when she invades your space. She must learn that she is the horse and therefore must listen to you. You're in charge. If you have to, carry a whip. I do not abuse my horses, but if they go to dancing on my toes or knocking me over, you can be they'll get smacked. As a result, they've got excellent manners and need very few reminders.

Answer 2

Get a rope halter and lead attached with a loop....no clips. I like yachting rope. Learn how to tie it on, and work with her in the arena. She will soon realize that you on the end of the lead are stronger than she is, and give to your control. There are videos on ground training which you should view. This horse should have learned these basics long ago I never understand the endless longeing with no real ground training that seems to be popular these days. And then nobody can control their riding horses...duh. The largest and strongest of horses I've dealt with cannot overpower the effects of a good rope halter. My advice would be not to use any chain shanks.....unnecessary and can produce more troubles.

But, there are no quick fixes for lack of training....only starting over and re-training.

Answer 3

My horse used to be like this. Using a chain didn't help at all. It actually made him aggressive and hard to catch. Have a guy at the barn help you. My horse would always listen to the owner of the barn, but not me.



If you don't want to do that, start being more stern with her. When she does something wrong, don't let her get away with it. Instead pulling on her head, start backing her up. This should help you when you go to stop her. If there is no room to back up, turn her around. She might just be getting annoyed with you pulling. If she doesn't listen, make her work. Instead of doing what she doesn't want to do, do something that would equal what she refuses to do. You can't let her push you around. Good luck!

Answer 4

well what I did with my pushy little Arab was put a nose chain around the nose part of her halter. Then if she tried to keep going I would put a little bit of pressure on it (using a lead rope) and say whoa. If she didn't listen I would keep increasing the pressure. I would keep practicing walking her several times a day. daily. Stopping at random times. SHE SHOULD NOT take another step after you stop if she does correct her then try again rewarding her each time she does what you ask. It will take time but soon you'll have a respectful horse that listens to you.



Hope this helps!

Answer 5

hey girl its mckenna kys sis. when u handle horses like that they try to take advantage of u they think that if they do stupid stuff, youll get scared and back away, thats just telling them they can take advantage of you if she keeps going, you should really use a chain lead that has a chain on the front. thhat you put over the nose, ask someone if they can help you find one or put it on, when u handle a horse like that show them that you are the boss! call me if u need more,

Answer 6

I had that problem with a trouble 2 yr old before.

If the horse isn't listening then unfortunately she doesn't respect you.

What you have to do is gain her respect she should stop as soon as you want her too.

Do you only ask her to stop at the cross-ties?

I would ask her to stop and even back up at random times, tell her to whoa as you stop.if she doesn't make her back up and do it again until she does. then praise her make her stand for a few seconds and move on.

I hope this helps. It has always worked for me. :)

Answer 7

Being a smaller person myself, I know how difficult it is to get a horse to stop when you've got them running on their lead for exercise or warm ups. It's going to take practice and intense training to get her to listen to your vocal cues, and the amount of force with which you're pulling on the lead.



Try slowing her down gradually. Keep up with her as she slows. Don't try to make her come to an immediate halt, that's very difficult to do. Once she's better trained, and used to your voice and vocal cues, she will respond quicker and will eventually get to the point to where you can slow her down to a stop much faster.



Just keep at it. Don't get discouraged. I highly recommend trying to slow her down gradually though.

Answer 8

PLEASE don't listen to the people telling you to chain her!!!! you need to earn her respect, and causing her pain will only make her want to get away from you even more! I have a very dominant mare, that i have spent a LOT of time with to earn her trust and respect. she used to run me over and push me around and she no longer crowds my space, even when she is nervous or afraid. i'm going to tell you my secret, and it is the secret of SOOO many people world wide...parelli. I know there will be a bunch of responses saying that the system is garbage, too expensive, etc. but you should check it out and judge for yourself. i have no reason to tell you that it works, other than that i saw the results and i can vouch that it WILL work, if you take the time. i can't explain to you the kind of satisfaction that comes from seeing positive results and knowing that you are actually communicating with your horse, not mechanically controlling her. good luck!

p.s. if you are not already using one, switch to a rope halter. it will make huge difference in her pulling against you, (promise!) without being harsh.

Answer 9

Sounds like she's either eager to get where she's going or she just doesn't understand how to be lead. Is this only when you take her from her stall or all the time?

Answer 10

have more training lessons on stopping her and plan one day and clear the schedule for that day and make stopping your lesson and always remember to stop on a good note hope i helped :^)

Answer 11

dont let her do that. make her go backwards this teaches that you have your space and she will learn to respect this.

Answer 12

Better find some one who is strong enough to stop her before you get hurt.

Answer 13

a chain lead rope! have one? if not get one!