I have a 3yr old QH gelding who had ground work put on him as a 2 yr old. He did great, very smart, retained lesson well so I turned him out for the winter to grow and have time off. Now since I have gotten him back in he pulls away from me when he is led(something he never did before I turned him out). He will stand tied alright, but will pull away when he is in your hand - not sure about you, but I cannot hold a 1100# animal in my hand (have many rope burns to prove I tried!!!) He is a nice horse but am at wits end trying to figure this out, he acts like he is short wired - he will lead good for a while then just pull! He has gotten away from me, which I am sure doesn't help the situation any, but what can I do?? Any help would be great. Thanks!
Posted 2008-05-18 6:38 PM (#84165 - in reply to #84161) Subject: RE: Horse pulling away
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
Here is my suggestion- you have already found out, you cannot hold on to a 100lb animal so don't even try to out muscle him. I'd start out thinking him. With a halter and good lead rope( please wear some gloves) start leading him around in a area that rather open like an arena ( without obstructions) knowing he is going to pull back, let him pull back then back him up...strongly,,yanking the lead rope, pushing him back with your voice and arms. Make it unpleasant. Then let him stand,lick his lips, think about it and walk on forward. He WILL try it again, do the same thing, make it harder for him to go back than going forward. When he does move forward willing, stop pet him allow him to lick his lips and relax. Go forward again...after a few more steps. stop and relax. Everytime he wants to go back...then go back back back back. The trick is to be prepared for this until he doesn't want to go back since its no fun and he will pay for by working hard. make going forward a happy experience.
Horse pulling away
