How to Rope-Break a Horse

"Breaking a horse" is a concept from the Old West. Four-year-old wild horses were rounded up and "broken" so they could be put to work with a rider immediately. "Gentling" a horse takes longer than breaking, but it is less traumatic for the horse. The first step in gently training a horse is usually called "lead-training." Some people still call lead-training "rope-breaking." The horse wears a halter or an even simpler device called a "hackamore," which is a kind of loose bridle without a bit. Instead of reins, the halter or hackamore is equipped with a lead rope.

Things You'll Need

  • Corral
  • Hackamore or halter
  • Lead rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Release the horse into a corral. Shut the gate and give him time to get his bearings.

    • 2

      Convince the horse to wear a hackamore or a halter. Speak to him confidently and praise him for his cooperation. Tie a lead rope to the hackamore or halter.

    • 3

      Stand and stay on the horse's left side. Hold the horse-end of the lead rope in your right hand about six inches from the horse's head. Fold-up and hold the rest of the lead rope in your left hand.

    • 4

      Face forward. Say "get up" and step forward while gently tugging on the rope to encourage the horse to move forward.

    • 5

      Walk around the corral with the horse. Turn the horse left or right by twisting your right hand left or right.

    • 6

      Stop the horse by saying "whoa." Say "whoa" while stopping yourself and tugging backward on the rope.

    • 7

      Point your left hand in the direction you want to go after the horse begins to understand your verbal commands. Encourage him to anticipate your commands by watching your hand motions. Remember you are trying to teach your horse to cooperate with you, which is different than teaching him to simply obey you.