How to Give a Horse Good Ground Manners

Horses with bad ground manners can be just as dangerous as horses who behave poorly under saddle. Instilling good ground manners at an early age is the most effective way to keep horse and handler safe; however, older horses with poor ground manners can be corrected with time and patience. When it comes to horse training, consistency and persistence is the key. Consistently correcting bad behavior at the appropriate time, each time is the best way to encourage good ground manners.

Things You'll Need

  • Headstall
  • Lead rope
  • Snaffle bit
  • Lunge whip
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Instructions

    • 1

      Bride your horse using a full cheek snaffle to keep the bit from sliding through its mouth. Attach the lead rope to the left side of the bit and ask your horse to move around you to the left. If the horse will not by kissing to it, gently tap the horse on the top of the hip with the lunge whip. Once the horse moves off, stop kissing and lower the whip to the ground. This release of pressure is how horses learn. Repeat going to the right.

    • 2

      Ask your horse to move around you to the left as in step 1. As he moves, consistently tighten the lead slightly until his head bends to the left. When he gives to the bit and moves his head to the left even a little bit, release the pressure on the lead. Once your horse is giving to the left with little pressure, do the same procedure going to the right.

    • 3

      Move your horse around you to the left and ask for the bend you taught in step 2. Once he has taken a few steps forward while giving to the bit, lift your lead towards where the cantle of your saddle would be. This is where your hand would be if you were asking him to turn while in the saddle. Release the pressure when your horse's hindquarters move away from you a few steps. Repeat this process going to the right. Eventually your horse will stop his forward motion and if you add speed he will begin to back. This process of teaching him to disengage his hindquarters improves his handling ability.

    • 4

      Teach your horse to move his shoulder by asking him to move forward and around you to the left while giving to the bit. As he moves, pick up the lead and lift your hand towards his withers, just like you would if you were asking him to pick up his shoulder under saddle. Release the pressure when he moves his shoulders away from you. Repeat this process on the right side.

    • 5

      Put these commands together to get your horse to go around you, stop, back, move his shoulders, and disengage his hindquarters. Release pressure when you get the results you want and your horse will realize there is reward in following your lead.