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  Discussion on Breaking a "wild" horse to Lead
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Posted on Monday, Aug 21, 2000 - 7:31 am:

Can anyone offer me some advice on breaking a two year old Arabian to lead? Here's some history to help describe the situation:

The horse is a two year old that has stood in a pasture for all of his life. Other than contact when he is fed and watered, he has not had human interaction. Until two weeks ago, he was still a stud, but he is now gelded, and when he was out for the procedure we got a halter on him. At this point I need him to accept human contact, before I can even begin the training aspects. But, once he starts trusting me, I'm not sure where to begin with leading. I've also got a six month old colt that I broke to lead by wrapping a line around his hind end to help urge him forward. However, he only weighed 180 - 200 pounds when I started vs. 800 - 850 lbs. So, I'm not sure if this concept is the smart way to go with the two year old.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,

Leah

Posted on Monday, Aug 21, 2000 - 11:39 am:

First, spend some time with him without trying to train him at all. Get acquainted. Take a lawn chair and a book to his paddock and sit and read for about an hour. Probably not the first day, but soon, he'll wander over to see what you're doing. While you're doing this, pay attention to his mannerisms and expressions, his way of going.

I hope you took the halter off.

After he's used to your presence, walk up to him, touch him all over, show him a halter & lead rope, let him smell them, taste them, etc. Then, rub him with the halter. (This should be spread over many sessions.) Finally, put the halter on.

In the meantime, order the book Lyons on Horses. It gives step-by-step instructions on ground work. If some of the things he recommends don't make any sense to you, don't do them, but do try to break whatever you do into tiny increments.

Have fun. Good luck.

Posted on Monday, Aug 21, 2000 - 12:41 pm:

Leah,
Here is a great article for you to read:
Gentling a Wild Horse.
A great example on how to slowly win the trust and gentle a horse slowly.
Good Luck!!
Jackie

(Jackie I came in and created a link~administration)

Posted on Monday, Aug 21, 2000 - 12:51 pm:

Sorry Leah,
The quickest way to the article is:
horseweb.com/articles/gentling/index.htm
As a pc rookie I'm still learning this computer garbage!
Enjoy the article!!
Jackie

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2000 - 7:33 am:

Jackie and Eveo,

Thanks for your input and advice. I am definitely going to take a look at the article, and buying the John Lyons book is at the top of my agenda.

Leah
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