At 08:35:49 on 31.08.10, Flicka wrote:
It's one of those things we do all the time but there are lots of different ideas on how it's best to lead your horse. Even though really basic it's the point where we start laying the ground rules and forming a bond and if it all goes wrong it can lead to some really nasty habits. So I thought we should share our methods and experiences. Here's a new video from Pat Parelli with some of his ideas to start us off. Even though I don't follow the Parelli programme I did nick the idea of using a 12 foot rope for all the reasons he mentions and I do stand away from my horse.

At 13:26:48 on 01.09.10, kibby wrote:
i just halter them up and walk. I don't know i just have never really thought about it..

At 21:03:38 on 01.09.10, ToriSilverson wrote:
im the same kibby...although half the time i will fling the rope over charlies neck and just walk beside him...

At 04:52:52 on 05.09.10, CoyoteQueen wrote:
I went to a couple pat parelli clinic and I use the 12 foot lead as well simply out of habit.

At 21:43:47 on 05.09.10, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
I walk up to grenville (well he comes to me) i rest my head against his, give him his daily polo slip the head collar on ask him to back up a few steps (this requires trust) then lead him to whereever i want, usually with no contact cos he just follows on a loose rope or with no rope.

At 18:54:28 on 16.12.10, chica wrote:
well as far as i am concerned Parelli is a bunch BS and has no effect what so ever and using a 12 foot is just stupid is way to much rope to be holing and you don't really have any control epically if you are leading a young horse ,I have never thought about leading i means i have to basic you know stay out of my bubble ,don't rub your head on me and walk behind or just to side of me ,stop when i stop ,all that.

At 19:14:22 on 31.12.10, ArabianElements wrote:
With my horse, who is 5, I started with a normal length and what you should be holding the rope as...then i began to loosen it up more, than a little more, so she is choosing to follow me, and im not making her follow.

At 07:44:28 on 30.03.11, CaraGenie wrote:
It depends on where I am to how I lead. When at shows or out and about, I lead him the way you are shown to do at pony club - just because I don't trust other horses - and walk at his shoulder so that he can lean on my confidence if he needs it. When at home, I walk and he follows. He still wears his rope halter and lead, we just don't have any real way of doing it. When walking around the track - there's a 1km track around the outside of the paddocks - I quite often just throw the lead over his neck and we walk and trot (I jog), around the track. Even with a bridle on, on the ground I walk and he follows with me holding the reins just to steer him through gates and stuff. (sorry, ended up being a bit of a novel)

At 08:54:44 on 01.04.11, Part Arab wrote:
I have to say that since we have been in the bitless bridle Sienna is a real pleasure to lead :) whether from the reins over her head or from the leading ring underneath her jaw... this is one of the best things about the new tack. Love it! It is illegal in Australia to lead on the road without a bridle and now I can lead on the road without a bit. It gives us a sense of control without pressure in her mouth. All good.

At 11:40:30 on 14.10.11, emz_mistybay wrote:
i personally think it depends on the confidence of the person and the temperament of the horse ive lead many horses and like some people just thrown the rope over the horses neck and let them walk beside you, some ive lead by just lightly holding the mane/forelock, some on a loose rope (like i do with mine), one or two with my hand near the head collar the other further down. ive never used a lead rope of 12 foot ok you have better chance of holding your horse if it bolts away from you but theres also so many dangers involved if not held correctly, but again it depends on the person and the temperament of the horse, we all have different ways some people may say its right some wrong but what ever works the best for you and your horse is the best way