Leading Issues?

Question

My 3 year old TB won't lead. I don't get it x.x Yes, I'm aware she's 3 but she shows ALL the signs of wanting to lead. She crowds like crazy when she's behind and she always tries to pass the other horses but she won't lead. I've put her infront and she was fine for like... a foot then she freaked out, kicked the horse behind her and took off in the opposite direction. Right now we're riding her in the corral and she'll zoom right past anyone in her way. She's very content to be infront in the corral. She still won't lead! We took her out today and she lead all the way out to the gate which is about 2 acres from the stable where we mount up then she just stopped and wouldn't move till she was passed. I've tried cropping her and she throws a fit. We got her to lead twice when we got out. The big question everyones probably wondering is, why lead? She's to fast x.x She catches EVERYONE in about 2 seconds and then she crowds. When we run, she wants to run so bad she starts jumping.

Answer 1

Personally, I just don't think this filly is mentally ready to lead nor does it sound like she's at a point in her training to be ready to lead. (reffering to the phrase -- [she freaked out, kicked the horse behind her and took off in the opposite direction.] and [in the corral and she'll zoom right past anyone in her way] ) Those certainly aren't signs of a well trained horse.

Like the previous poster said, crops are for reprimanding a horse that knows what to do but simply refuses, not for teaching or learning. To lead she'll need lots of confidence and horses do not get confidence from a crop --- they get it from a calm, assertive, confident rider and lots and lots of miles.

MHPO? You might not like this but sounds like YOU want to lead not HER. She's taking the cue from you (whether you realize it or not. Horses are extemly sensitive) and is trying her best to do it but when she gets into the lead she is too nervous and doesn't have the self confidence to follow through with it and panics. This problem doesn't bother her in the arena as it is safety zone, there she is confident but the "wide open" is an entirely different matter.  

Regarding her going to fast, well, you as the rider must control her rate. She should be able to go at any rate you ask her too, everything from a slow snail walk to a gallop at any time or place you ask it of her.

Sounds like she just needs more time. Don't push her so hard. At three years she's still just a baby no matter how big she is. She is not fully mature mentally (nor physically as far as that goes)

Work on her rateing in the arena, make her stay behind another horse and don't let her pass. It teaches self control and that she has to listen to you no matter her "wants". On the trail do the same thing. Put her in the middle if possible, that is a nice safe place for younger horses to build confidence. Just keep working at it until she stops complaining.

EDITED TO ADD... I realize that some horses atre naturally more "go-ers" but any horse can be trained to be calm and reasonable. Also her wanting to run on the trail could be a sign of extreme nervousness. She is basicly scared of everything around her and wants to "run away" from all of it. Same with the crowding other horses, a scared/nervous horse will always seek safety as close as possible to another horse.

I really don't think this mare is ready to be on the trails. Just my opinion. Sounds like she needs much more work in the arena to get her soft, supple and responding better, really work on her softness in the bridle, and on her rateing and cues for different gaits. Once it becomes an ingrained reflex reaction she will always give to the bit and follow cues no matter what or where she's at or the situation.

Also, again just my opinion, but keep in mind that anyone can call themselves trainers. These trainers that told you to "crop her",  where did they get their training? Are they certified? How many years experience do they have with the breed your horse is? Are they successful at showing or competing at a signifigant level (i.e. not weekend or even state level pretty much anyone can do that), and if so with what breed and disipline? All these are questions you need to ask a prospective trainer.

Answer 2

ok has she been broken in properly?

maybe try mouthing her a little more.

and do NOT crop a young horse.

ypu will give her really bad habbits, she sounds like she has no idea whats she is doing and cropping is for repremanding not teaching!

you need to just use your heels, do not boot her but keep pressure on her just keep annoying her with your heels until she moves and be really gentle with her reigns or she will end up iron mouthed for good. and as soon as she does one litlle thing thats positive, reward her!

goodluck!

EDIT- well im sorry but you asked for advice so we gave it and i just do not think that your getting anywhere by hitting her.. it hasnt done any good has it?..

but hey its your horse go ahead and ruin her!

make another horse that nobody but the nackers want,,,

Answer 3

I think you ned to go back to  basics with her.  I don't think she is ready for the wild blue yonder world of open trails and galloping through the trees.  Also, "cropping"..most people use a crop as an aid to make their horses go forward .. and you use it for what...beating??I think you are sending her mixed messages with your "training" methods.  If she runs too fast..then why would you have her in an open field racing with the other horses?  

As far as kicking horses behind her..some horses are kickers and just don't like horses coming up behind them.

Maybe she is a little too hot for you...and considering her age....well, girls just wanna have fun..she's spunky.  Have you tried lunging or working her first to get rid of some of her energy..her feed??  

I really think you need to work her in a controlled environment for awhile..a 3 year old is a little young to have a hard mouth and run so hard and damage her fragile bones.

Just my opinion...

Be Careful..