How to Stop Halter Pulling

Pulling on the halter is an annoying, and potentially dangerous, habit for a horse to get into. If your horse is being disobedient and inattentive on the lead line, it is important to nip the problem in the bud before it can get worse. With the right tools and equipment, along with plenty of patience, you can stop your horse from pulling at the halter and teach him to lead like a gentleman.

Things You'll Need

  • Rope halter
  • Soft cotton lead rope
  • Tie ring
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a quality rope halter on your horse. Rope halters have specially designed knots that place pressure at specific spots along the horse's neck, nose and muzzle.

    • 2

      Attach a long cotton lead rope to the bottom of the rope halter. A 15-foot lead works well, since it is long enough to allow you to move the horse around your body, but short enough so she stays close and focused on you.

    • 3

      Walk with your horse, moving out confidently and setting the pace. Do not allow your horse to determine the speed at which you move. Instead, force her to adjust to your pace. If the horse begins to move too fast or pull at the halter, immediately stop her and ask her to back up a few steps.

    • 4

      Give a quick jerk on the lead rope if the horse continues to pull at the halter. This will place pressure on the points behind the horse's ears and teach her to obey your commands.

    • 5

      Move the horse out again, keeping her at least a few feet behind you and to the right. Stop the horse immediately if she begins to pull. If the horse does not stop immediately, give a firm tug on the lead rope and ask her to stop again.

    • 6

      Attach a tie ring securely to a sturdy post on your fence. Run the rope through the loop on the tie ring and allow the horse to stand. When she pulls back, the rope will give just enough to prevent her from panicking, but not enough to allow her to move too far. Allowing the horse to remain tied in this manner teaches patience and reduces the tendency to pull back on the halter when walking.