How to Halter Break a Yearling Horse

Approach halter breaking a yearling with patience, care and the intent to encourage a trusting relationship. Responsible horse ownership requires that halter breaking ensures the safety and well-being of the yearling at all times. Realize horses are individuals and introducing the halter should begin when the horse is ready to avoid a struggle. The halter breaking process may take from one day to three weeks. Go slowly, be consistent and end each training session positively to ensure future success.

Things You'll Need

  • Leather break-away halter
  • Lead rope
  • Rump rope
  • Round pen
  • Assistant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Socialize the horse by maintaining close daily contact before halter breaking. Work around the yearling as you clean its stall and build a trusting relationship. This will result in the horse not being frightful when you introduce the halter.

    • 2

      Lead the yearling to the round pen with an assistant.

    • 3

      Show the horse the halter, allowing it to smell it for several minutes.

    • 4

      Move the horse so that its back end is close to the fence. Ease the halter over the horse's face slowly and gently. Ensure the assistant stands in close proximity to the horse's rump for support. Maintain close contact with the horse's back end to avoid being kicked (within 2 feet is the danger zone).

    • 5

      Leave the halter on the yearling to allow it to adjust it for approximately two to four hours. The horse may attempt to rub its face against the fence or other surface to remove it. Its reaction will depend upon its individual disposition and temperament. Monitor the yearling and don't leave the halter on overnight.

    • 6

      Clip the lead rope onto the halter and permit the yearling to drag it independently until it learns not to step on it. As the rope drags the ground and the horse steps on it, it will jerk its head down. The horse will quickly learn the pull on the rope is associated with lowering its head, and simply stop and put its head down when it feels the pull on the rope.

    • 7

      Stand to the horse's left side and pick up the end of the lead rope. Perform a sequence of give and release tugs with the yearling's head. Don't pull hard enough that the horse's feet move. Don't stand directly in front of the horse or it will brace against you and may flip over backward.

    • 8

      Exert more pressure on the lead rope and pull hard enough that you force the horse to become off balance, and it crosses one leg over. Ensure that you're pulling in a sideways fashion with gentle, yet steady pressure.

    • 9

      Release pressure from the rope when the horse takes a step. The goal is to release the horse's head at the moment you feel it give to the pressure of the rope and take a step to the side.

    • 10

      Repeat the process while standing on the horse's right side. Ensure that when the yearling pulls back, you don't let go of the rope, but allow it to slide securely through your hand so that you maintain resistance and control.

    • 11

      Move the horse forward alongside you using the rump rope or your hand. Remain at the yearling's side and keep its neck out in front.

    • 12

      Continue to move forward as your horse moves in unison at your side. Don't allow it to lag behind you. Your horse is learning its first example of correct body language.