How to Catch a Horse in the Field

Your horse is often difficult to catch and you're tired of it. Many times, however, a horse's resistance arises from your behavior: only visiting the horse when you want something; putting tension on its lead rope whenever it has a halter on; or chasing it around the field, not catching it and giving up. There are easy things to do to fix this. The key is to practice them with your horse often.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Play a game with your horse. This will encourage it to want to be caught. Go into its pasture/corral and put a halter and lead rope on it. Try rubbing your horse all over with the end of the lead rope until it's clearly enjoying the attention.

    • 2

      Toss the rope with rhythm over several parts of your horse's body until it can stand relaxed without being bothered by it. Be sure to do this, and rub it with the rope, on both sides of its body.

    • 3

      Stand at the end of the lead rope and face your horse. Horses read the body language of predators that live in their environment, and pay great attention to distance and approach. This helps them to interpret intention. If you make a game of distance and approach, your horse will become accustomed to your approaching in different ways and at different angles and speeds. Practice a variety of these until you can approach your horse without its flinching or moving.

    • 4

      Repeat these steps in your next session with your horse; then try them with a longer rope. Eventually you'll be able to do them without a halter and rope. Keep practicing the techniques until your horse is comfortable with your approaching it and catching it in the field.