It can be intimidating — and dangerous — to extract your horse from a herd in a pasture. I once watched a woman get knocked down by a pony because she was using food to try to catch her horse. And it’s very uncomfortable to get crowded by horses, especially when they aren’t your own.
This video shows you how to use your lead rope to maintain your personal space when approaching your horse and also provides some insights into herd dynamics.
A few tips:
- Don’t use food as an incentive as it will encourage a more dominant horse to take charge. Save your treat for when you get back to the barn.
- Make sure your halter and lead rope are out and ready
- Assess herd dynamics
- Walk directly toward the horse you want to catch
- If other horses approach, swing your lead rope to keep them out of your personal space.