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  Discussion on Respecting my space when leading
Author Message
New Member:
Carol58

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 23, 2003 - 2:23 pm:

My colt learned some very basic leading and tying in his first year. He has just turned two and I am trying to refine things. When I lead him with the halter (we have not attempted a bridle) he moves forward readily, and doesn't run, but he crowds me so that I constantly feel the need to push him away from me. What is the best way to stop this? I have not tried using a chain over his nose but am open to this if it would help. I don't feel a need to hold him back so much as push him aside.
Member:
Janene

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 23, 2003 - 2:57 pm:

I had the same problem with my yearling colt. I used Clinton Anderson's Downunder method. I stood right beside his jaw tapped him lightly on the neck with a handy stick (or any stick he isn't afraid of) and got big and a mean look in my eye and started him turning in a circle away from me. As soon as he crossed his left front foot over his right and took a few steps I then rubbed him and made a big deal about it until he went in a complete circle. I also jerked lightly on his lead rope right under his chin to get him started as I faced his jaw. Now when I lead him forward all I have to do is slightly turn my body or look at him kind of mean and he scoots right on over. He is leading well now, and has quit crowding me. He yields his front quarters as well as his hind quarters really well from both directions.
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 23, 2003 - 3:03 pm:

Hi, Carol,

I don't believe it is necessary to go to a chain . . . as that doesn't get his shoulder away from you and will probably just result in some head tossing. Carry a dressage whip or crop with you and before you begin actually stepping forward with him, position yourself at the distance you want to be from him. Make sure your hand is up with your elbow bent. . . and that you are allowing a loop of rope between your hand and the lead snap. The colt should follow your shoulder not the pull of the lead. First, make sure his attention is on you. Then give your verbal cue for forward and wait a half a second before stepping forward. He should move off of your movement. If he doesn't, touch him lightly with the dressage whip on his rump and continue to give the verbal cue. If the rope tightens up, then just keep a steady pressure on until he comes along and then make sure to allow the loop back in the rope. If he starts to come in to you with his shoulder, use the handle of the dressage whip to push his shoulder away and continue forward. I have found that sometimes the leader will unconsciously give the horse the cue to come toward him/her by not keeping his/her arm/hand in a static position. You may be okay with this, but it is something of which to be conscious. If the colt chooses to ignore your push with the handle of the whip/crop, you may have to poke him with it a few times before he gets the idea. As you are consistent, he will become consistent. Figure out what you want decide how you want to ask for it each time . . . and then be consistent in your expectations and in your cues.
Hope this helps. If I haven't explained it well, I apologize. I can picture it in my mind . . . if I can clarify anything, please let me know.
Holly
Member:
Pones

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 23, 2003 - 3:24 pm:

Hi, I have had the same problem with my yearling filly and we have just completed the basic seven games of Parelli, and this seems to have cured her!

She wasn't bargey at all, just wanted to be near me all the time. I can now lead her and she matches me step for step, at a safe normal distance, stopping when I do.

If you want further information, let me know and I'll email you directly.

All the best

Heidi
Member:
Albionsh

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 23, 2003 - 6:31 pm:

Wow! Talk about being just in time! I am also having this problem with my two-year-old colt. His mom died four hours after his birth, so he thinks I am his much smaller buddy. I want to keep his sweet spirit, but as he matures (he is still a stud colt) he is disrespecting my space. Thanks so much for the suggestions--we'll start today! I also am interested in the seven basic Parelli games, Heidi : )

Thanks all. Nancy
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