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Discussion on Leading a tacked-up horse
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Member:
Johnsonl
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Posted on Friday, Feb 18, 2005 - 10:43 am:
Hello, I have been riding for over 35 years and a basic question has been bugging me lately. It concerns that of leading a tacked-up horse from the ground. I've noticed that some people lead their horse with the reins over the horse's head. They hold a single rein near the bit while walking beside the horse. Others have both reins in hand with the reins NOT over the horse's head. Is there a correct way to do this? I always lead my horse with the reins not over his head. This always seemed to be safer to me, in case he spooks I have a greater chance of getting out of the way, and holding onto him at the same time if he tries to bolt. But, I suppose if he got away, if the reins were over his head, there would be less chance he'd step on them, perhaps injuring himself. Hmmmm. Any thoughts on this? Have I been doing it wrong all these years? Seems like when I observe others, folks are split about 50-50 in each group of "leading styles". Thanks for thoughts/input on this! Lori J.
Lori L. Johnson
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Friday, Feb 18, 2005 - 10:54 am:
Lori,
I have been taught that reins over the head is the correct way in which to lead, and that is the way I teach my students . . . HOWEVER  when I lead my own horses, I hold the near rein . . . I have trained my horses to give to light pressure, so it only takes a finger on the rein to get them to come toward me with their noses . . . I, too, have had horses pull away and tear reins, bruise their bars and destroy bridles by stepping through the reins . . . Nevertheless, it is taught as the proper way for the reasons you describe.
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Member:
Goolsby
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Posted on Friday, Feb 18, 2005 - 12:43 pm:
Lori
That is an interesting question and something I have never given much thought to. I do it both ways, I guess depending on where I am (wooded trail, pasture, road) and where or how far Im going. I alway go both reins in hand if Im leading more than one tacked horse.
Colleen
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Friday, Feb 18, 2005 - 1:16 pm:
Hi, Lori,
Reins do not stay balanced and even on the horse's neck if the horse runs away.
To lead a horse safely with the reins over his neck, you need to arrange them as for longeing, ie to twist them under the neck and pass the throatlach through, or to tie them to the saddle.
A faster way, I believe the least one should do, is to bring the buckle to the cantle, then pass both stirrups through the reins.
I was taught to lead horses with reins off their neck, near rein 5-8 inches long, far rein 2-3 inches longer, handler always behind the horse's head, ideally next to the point of shoulder. It works well, so I stick with it.
If a horse is a runaway candidate, I'll lead him with a lunge line attached to the bit and the reins arranged for lungeing.
Leading with one rein (reins over the horse's neck) is, I believe, specialised work in hand. It applies beautifully to advanced training in hand, but should not be taught as a way to lead horses, especially young ones.
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Member:
Kthorse
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Posted on Friday, Feb 18, 2005 - 8:54 pm:
I was taught the same way as Christos.
Katrina
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Member:
Alden
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Posted on Friday, Feb 18, 2005 - 9:18 pm:
I don't lead from the bit unless absolutely necessary. Leave the halter on under the bridle, then you always have a backup and way to lead the horse. If the bridle fails you can get home with the halter. Of course it helps to teach the horse to ride with just the halter.
When I do lead with the bit I prefer to unsnap one side. If I can't unsnap then I'll lead either over the head or not, no real preference.
Good day,
Alden
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