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Horse Behavior and Training

Horse grabs lead rope

By:

clarose

Date:

2013-Mar-08 at 12:33PM

When I am doing ground work with my horse he grabs the lead rope in his mouth and won't let go. What should I do? He especially does it when I'm working with him to release his hind quarters or flexing his neck. Any ideas?

Miriam (Holland&Germany) 2013-Mar-08 at 05:43PM

Hi clarose,
A similar problem I had with a young Arabian gelding, I switched to a rope halter for a while, so the clip was under his chin and I still could give some pressure on the nose, if necessary.
I don't know if your horse is still young, but in my case things went better when he found there was non play anymore with the rope.
Miriam

clarose 2013-Mar-10 at 12:20AM

Thanks so much. I'll try the rope halter.

MaggieF, Melbourne - Australia 2013-Mar-10 at 01:07AM

The rope halter works but you could also use the dually if you have one. If leading from the near side hold the lead rope with your right hand close to the discipline ring and then ask him to walk with you in the sweetspot.. As soon as he goes to grab at the lead rope give him a good correction with a nice firm straight right arm tug on the lead rope and an immediate release as soon as he responds. Should work so good luck with it.