Becoming a Leader

Does your horse ever bump its head into you? Has your horse ever pushed you out of its way with its body? Does your horse pin its ears when you approach it? How about tried to run right over you when you are leading it through a gate or when it gets spooked? If so, then it’s very likely that your horse doesn’t have enough respect for you and knows that it can dominate you.

To be a happy and successful horse owner you can take action to prevent these situations from occurring by showing your horse that you have the ability to be the alpha horse. By doing so you will gain your horses respect. The best way to do this is to be able to herd the horse. If you can herd your horse in the same fashion, as another more dominant horse would do, it will accept you as the leader and will willingly give you respect.

Horses constantly play the dominancy game with each other through herding. This creates hierarchy in the herd. The better a horse is at herding the more dominant they are. There is no single quality that determines if a horse is more dominant than another but rather a combination of abilities. A dominant horse proves to the herd that they can move quicker, reach out and make contact quicker, all with confidence. A horse that is good at herding will be able to do all these things effectively using the least amount of effort. By doing this, the dominant horse gains respect and does not get pushed around by the other horses. If you can show the horse/s that you have these qualities without being aggressive like a predator, they will view you as the alpha horse and will give you respect. They will also look to you for leadership, which will build confidence in them.

To be good at herding it is necessary to have the proper tools and know how to effectively use them. This takes practice so don’t be discouraged in the beginning.

Here is a picture of a young mare attempting to herd another horse. Is apparent that she hasn't quite figured out how to use all her tools effectively.

The basic tools to use are ropes in different lengths and a horseman’s stick. These tools allow you to signal or touch the horse from a distance so they can see what you are asking without being scared of you. The tools allow you to prove to the horse that you have more speed than they do because you can move them around quickly and easily. This also allows you to keep a safe distance away from the horse.

When horses are establishing the pecking order in the herd they will attempt to herd each other so if you are herding a horse it might decide to herd back. By keeping a safe distance away you can fairly establish your hierarchy with the horse but also prevent from getting injured. If you allow the horse to have a fair chance at herding back they will feel on the same level and won’t be intimidated and will also show that you respect them. This is not implying to let the horse herd you but to give him the opportunity to challenge you for leadership and if he does decide to, you can quickly and confidently herd back and be more effective which will prove to him that you are a better leader and will gain his respect.

You also want to be aware of how you are applying the tool to the horse. To be fair to the horse when herding we need to first signal with the tool that it is coming and if the horse doesn’t respect that signal by getting out of the way, then we can be effective by touching the horse with it. Horses use this same signaling technique with each other when herding by pining their ears, swishing their tail or moving their body. If the other horse does not respect and yield to this signal they will follow through with a bite or kick. By touching a horse with a tool you are simulating a horse biting or kicking them. You never want to bite or kick the horse harder than another horse would do. Also, it is helpful to have your signals rhythmic. Do this by signaling to the horse with your tool, if they don’t yield then gently touch the horse with the tool, if they don’t move from this you can touch the horse deeper until they respond. It takes lots of practice to understand when, where and how to touch the horse properly with these tools. Once you are able to do this successfully the horse will respect and yield to your signals without you having to follow through with contact. It is necessary for the horse to understand that the tools are an extension of your body so you want to touch them and rub them with the tools so they are desensitized to them as an object. (Look for a future blog on how to desensitizing your horse!)

You can be extremely effective at herding a horse using a 45’ rope in a round corral. This will allow you to reach out and touch the horse with the rope anywhere they might be. You can also herd the horse by throwing the rope out in front of them or behind them. If you can herd the horse from the middle of the round corral using the rope it will show the horse that you have an extremely long reach and also that you have the ability to out maneuver them.

A horseman’s stick is also a great tool to use because it can extend your reach, which will allow you to drive and touch the horse without having to use your hands. If a horse is approaching you and invading your space you can use the stick for self-defense by herding them away with it. Be aware of how you handle the stick and what the horse perceives of it. You want to make sure the horse understands the difference between a neutral stick position and an active position. This will help give the horse a clear signal of what you are asking. Horseman sticks also show the horse that you are as big as them. You can extend your reach out towards their hind end to show you are just as long as they are, and you can also extend your reach directly upward to show that you can reach higher than they can. This way if a horse tries to show its dominant by lifting its head up overtop your head, you can extend the stick high enough to block them and show them that they cannot dominate you. When you want to move the horse’s head away, it is good to be able herd the horse’s nose away. A horse’s body follows the direction its nose is pointed to, so if you are able to control their nose you can be better at guiding the horse in the direction you desire. Their nose is also a sensitive area so you do not need to use as much energy to herd the horse’s front end if you are focused on the nose. When you are able to herd your horse’s nose away without them trying to avoid you by lifting it, you have gained confidence and respect in your horse.

Horses communicate to each other through body language so it is important to be aware of your body language when herding a horse. When a horse signals to another horse to back off, they straighten their neck, lower their head and pin their ears so we want to try and mimic this with our body language when herding and driving horses around. We want to project enough energy to send or drive a horse effectively but too much where we scare the horse.

Horses try to herd humans at times and can be quite successful at it if we let them. A big reason people allow their horse to herd them is because their size is intimidating. This is why it is important to use tools that make the horse think that we are just as big, if not bigger, than they are. To prevent a horse from dominating you, you need to change its perception of you. Eventually you want to be able to herd the horse from all directions and ultimately after you have become an effective herder, your horse will view you as the 2-legged alpha horse. This will take courage on your end but once you gain confidence in yourself and your ability to herd, the horses will gain trust and respect in you. Now, the next time you walk your horse through a gate, it will think twice about running over you.

Horses are always aware of where the alpha horse is. So you will receive many benefits of being the alpha horse. It will respect you by moving out of your way with little effort on your end. It will stand calm when you are relaxed. And will look to you for leadership, safety, confidence and comfort.

Just a little note: A good way to learn to communicate with a horse is to go out in a herd situation and observe horses during feeding time. You will see how horses communicate to each other from their settle expressions to thier full energy actions and everything in between. They will herd each other through body language and physical contact by biting and kicking. You'll learn how horses try to bluff and out maneuver each other. You will see horses yield and show respect and you will see the friendships.

Comments

[Ray Eche]

Hello,
I'm wondering if you can help me with a minor horse problem thats very irritating to me and potentially dangerous in the mountains. Both of my Morgan horses lead well, but they want to pass me and lead me. How do I keep them behind me, following?
Thanks in advance for the info.

Ray Eche

[Mary Risavi]

Hi Ray,
Good question! When your horse attempts to lead you he is doing exactly that, trying to be the leader. Your goal is to prove to the horse that you are the leader. You can do this exactly how another horse would by herding them around and being effective! Also, you can offer the horse the most comfort when they are walking behind you. Whenever your horse attempts to walk in front of you you can wiggle the lead rope up and down. You want to start with small movements and increase the momentum if they do not respond. Continue to do this until the horse slows down and gets behind you. Then you can stop which in turn offers them comfort.
Hope this help!

[Stanzie]

Hi, I just bought a very bossy mare... She was rearing when I tried to lunge her... Eventually I got her to lunge fairly well. Now I have a new problem. When I get the halter and go into her stall, she puts her head to me and puts her ears back! Eventually I got the nerve to just take the lead rope and throw it over her neck, and she was fine. I think she is trying to test me some more...What can I do? I don't want to get hurt by going in such a small space to try and halter her.

[Darren Wetherill]

Good to hear from you Stanzie!
I agree, your mare is playing some dominancy games with you. It would be ideal to work with her in a larger area so you can stay a safe distance away. When a horse is in a confined area they may feel claustrophobic and have a stronger desire to defend themselves. If you have a round corral available, try bringing her in there. That way you can easily herd her around. Your goal is to have your mare respect you so when you enter the stall she doesn't have a desire to dominate you. The best way to do this is to dominate her and prove to her that you are the alpha horse. It also might be a good idea to bring her water to her in the stall. By doing so she will become dependant on you for survival. Hope this helps!

[Lulu]

I got a 6yr old mare who trys to lead me outside of her pen but not inside, also when i take her out she gets really excited because she knows there is green grass! I get very flustrated with this because she totally ignroes me and runs me over! i try to get respect by saying no stand! and she will throw fits and has almost hurt me by running me over she wouldn't stop moving i was pretty scared after that. I want to know what i can do to make her STOP EATING THE GRASS lol and focus on me! she doesnt try n run me over when i take her to the gate but soon as i take her out her nose is in the ground chompin. I've tried putting grass in her pen to see if i can work there but she doesn't try to eat it. So i don't get why she does outside the pen? she respects me inside her pen i can lead her and she won't run me over. It's like i am working with 2 diferent horses! One sweet mare who will let me ride her and another who if i try to ride outside the pen doesn't move! she trys to do her thing.

I've always wanted to ride her around the yard bareback but considering she will bolt with me on her back because i want to ride and not let her eat! i know better then to attempt that!

Very confused and need help,
lulu

[Darren Wetherill]

Hi Lulu,
Thanks for writing! Sounds like your mare is quite fond of the grass. She finds that eating grass is more important than paying attention and respecting you. You are on the right track by playing with her in the pen first. You need to make sure you are the alpha horse. Herd her around the pen and ask her to face up to you. Once you gain her respect in the pen you can take her outside and do the same. It will be a little bit more challenging but you can accomplish the same results. It is extremely important to be effective! If you try herding her around in the grass and she doesn't respect you, you will need to be effective by 'biting' and 'kicking' her. Be sure to use tools so you can stay a safe distance away. 'Ground to First Ride' video shows a lot of good tips on how to gain respect on the ground.
Happy horsemanship!
Darren

[LuLu]

Darren,

Thank you for that tip! I thought lunging her and trying to get her respect would work. But showing her i am lead mare in the pen and she should be following me. I herded her around made her face up she wouldn't for awhile but i was consistent until she faced up then i would stop,if she walked away i would herd her again. She joined up once then i had to do it again because she walked off. But after that she is following me, going exactly where i went,stoped when i stoped,she got startled but stoped when she realized i wasn't. I hope to move to a pasture on grass and work here there too.

Thanks so much!

LuLu

[Lucy]

Hi!
I have this little pony who is a great ride but i have a problem with manners and trust and respect. Bobby(the pony) will not respond to pressure, invades my space, doesnt respect me and will nip at me, hates me touching his belly and picking up his feet and generally grooming!, just general trust and respect issues maybe?? I also thought another sign of him not trusting me is when i take him up to the other stabling area he gets very nervous with or without buddies. Maybe he thinks i would put him in a dangerous position? I would love some advice or comments because i just want a happy safe pony i can have fun with,
Thanks, Lucy

[Mary Risavi]

Hi Lucy,
Thanks for writing! Sounds like your horse is not convinced you are the leader. All his actions tell that he doesn't respect you as the 'alpha horse' and he would rather be with his pasture mates than you. Your best bet is to work on your leadership skills. You need to prove to Bobby that you are the dominant horse and he should look to you for leadership. Once he does this he will respect you and will want to be with you. Please feel free to post questions!
Happy horsemanship~
Mary

[Lucy]

Bobby is getting a bit better.He is starting to respond a bit to the herding. I used my crop and tapped him on the leg when he ignored my poking. He moved over straight away! I'm going to work on it more!
From Lucy

[Mary Risavi]

Wonderful! Good idea to have a back up if the first stimulus doesn't work!

[Lucy]

Bobby was being really good. Until the pony club rally today. Beutiful morning was fantastic. Then we get to cross country and he gets this big attitude problem, because I've jumped him over the jumps before, and he decides he will refuse everything. I was almost in tears and I really want to move up and do good jumps but i was put into the group going over tiny logs that he stepped over! Its not fair! He just refuses jumps all the time even when I've managed to get him over a higher one! PLEASE help me!!!!
From Lucy-xXx

[Mary Risavi]

Hi Lucy,
Sorry to hear about your experience. It is extremely important Bobby respects you when you are riding him. If he doesn't he will not respond to you when you ask him to go over the jump. We want to make Bobby find the most comfort when he is jumping over the larger jumps than when he is not. Find a way to make Bobby WANT to go over the jumps. He will then begin to hunt for the jumps and will be more willing to go over them. I know this is pretty vauge but it's important to figure out where Bobby is mentally first. Let me know how it goes!

[Lucy]

Hey!
Do you think that if i jump him on a lunge line it might help? Maybe no added stress of a rider and me being nervous might help?
From Lucy.

[Mary Risavi]

Good question! Thats a great way to start. Most likely he will do the jump on the lunge line. If he doesn't it could tell us that he has something that is limiting him physically. Try lunging without the saddle first then add the saddle. See if you notice any changes. You brought up a good point. The rider has a strong influence on whether the horse wants to do the jump or not. Let me know what you find.

[Lucy]

Hi It's Lucy!!!
Bobbie did really well. My instructor came and helped me teach him the art of loosework. You hold a lunge rein and flick it while giving a voice command like 'trot on'. he trots down the side of the arena to a jump that is between a fence and a lane way of poles, but the poles weren't that high in case he got a bit scared. He was jumping magnificently and was doing some spaced out jumps. He jumped about 2-3ft nicely. He soon responded to just 'trot on bobbie' without me having to wiggle the lunge whip!! After that i took him for a hose up at the stables where he usually gets a bit scared but he was an angel!! I would like to thank you for your support and ideas!! I'm so happy now!!
Love, Lucy-xxx

[Lucy]

Also I think that maybe the saddle was hurting him, so the saddle fitter is coming out on thursday.
Love Lucy-xxx

[Mary Risavi]

Hi Lucy,
Thank you for the update, it is so nice to hear how Bobbie is progressing! Once you have eliminated the physical discomfort of the actual horse without the rider, you can then begin to find ways to improve your body so jumping is comfortable for the both of you.
Looking forward to the next update!
Mary

[Lucy]

Hi!
I rode today. He did it nicely about 3 times but then refused it 6 times so i jumped off, took off the bridle and got him to loose work over the jump.He refused it once then jumped it twice, I jumped back on and he did it fine. I think he might have needed the reminder saying, yes you do have to jump.
Love Lucy-xXx

[Lucy]

Hey it's Lucy again!
Bobbie is doing fairly well. The only bad thing so far is that he has a cancerous cataract in his eye. He will lose his sight soon but I bet he will still be just as cheeky! I was just wondering, will I still be able to go to shows and do all the normal things or will they not let me do ponyclub or compete with one eye?
Thanks heaps
From Lucy-xXx

[Mary Risavi]

Hi Lucy!
Good to hear from you.
I'm not sure what the requirements are for horses with sight limitations. I know we have a horse at our barn who is loosing his sight and the owners still plan on taking him to local schooling shows. It might be a good idea to talk to the show organizers and a local vet to see what you can expect.
Look forward to hearing from you soon!

[Lucy]

cool thanks because he's still a great pony and I'd be devastated if he couldn't do shows or anything because he likes going out to see his friends at ponyclub and at the local shows
from luci-xox

[Mary Risavi]

Surprisingly it seems like horses who are loosing their sight still have a good sense of their surroundings. One barn I was at last year there was a lady who rode a completely blind horse. It was pretty amazing!

[Penny Hart]

I look after someone else's pony three times a week and whilst he is lovely natured, he is v.spoilt and gets in my space, treading on toes etc, he will always move away if pushed but is reluctant to, my main isue with him is that when briging him in from his paddock (either to go to his stable or to be ridden) he will walk nicley by my side for a few strides but will then take off into a canter for a few strides (which time i have dropped the lead rope as am unabel to hold on - believe me i have tried) he will then put his down and start eating the much longer and nicer grass that is on the pathway. If you attempt to pick up the lead rope he will canter off again a couple of strides - the only way we have mangaged to cath him is to go and get trwts or a haynet and then he will quite happily come to us, however he has done this so many times now i fear he knows that he is stonger than us and he can get away with bolting off to get grass and then he gets REWARDED in his eyes by recieving treats or hay! i don't have a round pen but we have got two enclosed square pens, i was considering maybe trying the join up and things on the ground to get his respect. please help!!

[Penny Hart]

p.s Sorry about the appalling spelling mistakes, me trying to type to fast!! lol