Should Your Horse Lead Behind You or Next to You? 

Thanks for Watching! If you’d like to to see more in depth training sessions or ask me specific questions about your horse, join my patreon page www.patreon.com/ryanrosehorsemanship

It’s amazing to me how many people don’t have this basic foundation with their horses on the ground before they start riding them. I’m really uncomfortable handling other people’s horses compared to handling my own because so many of them don’t even have this basic understanding of ground manners. Safety 101.

Makes perfect sense. Have had my 12 year old for 10 years and the "my space" lines are blurred. Think I need to revisit boundaries...

Hi! I've been run down by a young horse who was behind me...since that time, I very much prefer to have him up beside me. I want to see that horse. Even if he's very well broke.

I believe the horse should lead at the distance and speed the human suggest. I think teaching the horse to lead as directed is one of the most basic requirements of 'True Horsemanship'. Your advice is dead on!!!!

I have looked after my two mares at home for over 15 years with very few issues. Since watching your videos Ryan I have been more particular about the horses respecting my space at all times - the improvement in my interactions with them has been amazing. Thank you!!

I love that you're willing to help him scratch his itch. So cute. Great lesson! Very timely for me. Thank you.

Very helpful for a newer horse owner. More please!

I was taught at a young age that the horse should be beside me. Lately with the last two horses I’ve had I prefer to have them behind me. Great video and I’m going to start working with my last one here and get good at both.

As long as you are leading and they are following it doesnt matter what way it happens- its the respect they have for your space that counts, even if you ask them to walk sideways- I do that with my horses- get them to go sideways and keep the respect bubble.

I will be walking my horse with a loose rope and sometimes abruptly stop randomly and it really does catch her attention. I have an issue with when I stop her, she won't just stop, but rather, wants to keep turning so she is facing me - she is always wanting to face me. I have also worked with her in her stall about not rushing the door and now she is so good, I come in and she immediately backs up a few steps to allow me to join her space. I have done groundwork with her almost daily since July and I have her dropping her head when I bend at my waist and not even applying pressure to the rope to "pull her down" - just little things I have worked on and she is doing so well. She is a horse who LOVES to get loved on and didn't know much about personal space. Totally babied and kissed and climbed on by kids I am assuming lol Thank you for all that you do!!!

Behind me or next to me is dependnt on the circumstances, but I DO not want for them to lead Me !

Most people are both not soft enough (in the first ask), and also not firm enough (when necessary). By this I mean, all their pressure is kind of middle-ground... not soft enough to achieve lightness, but not firm enough to achieve respect. They just end up with resentful, unresponsive horses. Be as soft as possible, but also as firm as needed to get a result.

This is a foundation I never worked on. Can see the profound value of this exercise!

Very important and well presented. Easy to understand. When there is grass outside the gate, my horse tends turn and to dive towards it. Somehow, I must have allowed him to do it enough times that he is still trying it, but now I'm consistently going to change that.

GOD Bless all that are caring and Proud!

I like my horse next to me most of the time. I don't want him running over me if he smells a mare in season. He is a kind horse and easy to handle even around mares in season as long as he's next to me. Breeding stallions are slightly different to handle than the geldings most people ride but not all that much different. It's more important to teach them about personal space than other horses and you want his attention on you no matter what.

You are spot on. Yes it's ok to touch the horse to get your space. When horses become unsafe it is likely the owner not doing things correct. We were guilty of that with one of our horses. We were so "loving" and "understanding" giving treats, letting the little stuff slide by .....that we "lost control / Respect" of our horse. He needed way more time and work than we could do to get him back to good. We "ruined him with kindness" - The good news is, he found the perfect home with a trainer who is using him as his main squeeze and they are living happily ever after. The heartache of realizing our safety comes first, was by doing what was best for this horse. We have two horses still that are a better match for us. I tell my story to many people so they don't make the same mistakes we did. We did care about him and where he went.... we were LUCKY the right fit came along. Not everyone is that lucky. LOVE your videos. You are my favorite trainer on RU-vid.

Great video!!! I see my holes with training my 2yo. I am excusing things that shouldn't be acceptable bc its a breed characteristic for them to be sweet family horses (gaited breed) and I have been working on bonding w her. Older pushy, disrespectful horses end up down the auction, kill pen, slaughter line. Thank you for this reminder. Well done.

Your training techniques have been a huge help as I've trained my mustang from ground zero (a first for me). Now we are riding around the neighborhood and hope to do mountain trails and some western horse shows. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and helping owners and their horses have success!

I really love watching you with boone. It really looks like he's very connected with you. Such a beautiful boy.

His dappling is absolutely gorgeous 🖤

This was working on a ‘simple’ concept but I feel like majority of horse owners, myself included, are significantly deficient in understanding the basics. If you can make a video series on the basics I think we would all be forever grateful. I really liked this video; can you follow up with a video on how to lead your horse outside an arena setting when they are liable to be a bit more hyped up? In the arena my horse seems to feel like he is in school and follows commands better. Outside of the arena he is definitely more distracted

Hahaha, you got me! While I was pondering the behind or beside you said “psych”. I was thinking of the times I’ve done one or the other for various reasons. Great lesson, as always.😂

hi i will join in and write down what i think before watching the video. I like to lead the horse next to me as it is more safe. for example when a horse spooks. or i had the experience of a stallion that always saw it as he is the leader as i walk away from him. he moves my feet. this was the beginning of a more tense time with him and i had to be very carefull as he started to attack from behind. as soon as i strictly lead him next to me with rather a large distance (owning my space) the behavior changed to friendly again. but i also think that it is good if the horse follows you. so when i start to walk the horse joins me. if this is behind or next to me. so i would say it really depends on the situation and also on the horse. thank you for your really helpfull videos! i love watching your videos and learning from you!

Love the spa scratch ;-D

I had horse that bolted I don’t stand direct in front anymore. I stand off to side so I don’t get ran over.

Next to you!

These types of videos are my favorites- i like seeing the how and why for PREVENTION as that is your greatest "cure". It's also something I have found fun with my own horse. He seems to like it too. Walk/trot through obstacles or in an open area. He gets where he's so light and matching my every move no matter how random. I need to do that more 😅 He's better left thand rights side leading on or off lead as i have mostly been on his left. Good point in this vid and one that seems to be a mantra for trainers: what you do on one side you do on the other. Sad that when we join the hotse world all stary eyed for lessons we are told to do everything on the ground from the left. I've got so many answers for why when i asked all tbose years ago from "because" to "it started because of the calvalry's sword position" Honestly you might be able to make a montage of silly rationale for the left side only thing. As one might guess i never stopped asking until i found an answer that made sense to me then did what I would 🙃. I'd be as entertaining as my own horse i guess. He's "left brained" and will make his own fun if you don't provide it. Kinda reminds me of your liberty video with Onyx - though a little less destruction to balls. 😂 crops are fare game though. And it was a game that got me and him over is powerful negative association with them. That said: you can absolutely touch him with one without him freaking out. We did a liberty clinic together with lots of whip work as a communication aid. 😉 it is how you use it. Like anything. Your hands, any halter ect can be cruel if you use it that way / to attack. Sure some things have no place even with the softest approach- certain "high level" tack for instance. It helps you force the position/ manuver without the need for proper training. Off topic but.... i would like to see some of those high level riders do what Dreamy and her rider did 😍 bittless perfect run with the horse matching your idea. They were disqualified - two hands on reins when the rider grabbed the bridle to stop it swinging in her legs. But they definitely won the night. Great example of basics done right. Old news now but i will always remember thar example

Ryan these are THE BEST and most informative videos I e seen on RU-vid! Thank you so much for these videos! I’ve been with horses my whole life but in my adult age I am paying more attention to trainers. I’ve seen a lot. You explain things that I’ve been having questions about. Seriously, great videos!

Lmao “sike”, took me right back to highschool 😂

He should be wherever I put him. :)

You work horse so good and I want you are doing on working hours it will help my with my horse Nannette

Great video and explanation, and it makes perfect sense. I was taught it was next to you, but that didn't always work, depending on the situation. But they should be taught and they should be comfortable doing it both ways.

behind mainly out of my space but in the show ring next to my shoulder

Brilliant lesson.

Makes great sense! So interesting to watch the co-development of Horse and Man. Thank You!

Very good, just like all your videos. I really learn a lot from your explanations. Thanks!!

Thank you so much for this video. I find that my mare can be a bit sluggish to start the walk WITH me unless we do it a few times....EVERY time.... Yeah, for like 15 years now. 🙄 I need to give the bigger signal on my FIRST step. Looking forward to trying this with her. Yeah... she's got my number.....🙄

She's got you covered thank you Ryan ❤️

Admiring the contained/slow motion canter happening behind you. I'm a field hunter where everything is always go and whoa. How to do that suspended animation? Not looking for dressage - also not adverse to it - just to know how to slow motion, rock my horse

A really valuable video. Really made me think. Thank you.

Sometimes I like them behind, like in tight spots or on a narrow trail, sometimes next to me, or not any further ahead than my shoulder.

Is this important? I believe it's a critical component for the building of a solid foundation and partnership. Thank you Ryan.

I think the horse ought to do both

Thank you very much, very clear explanations !

A horse follows the leader. That how they are. If your horse doesn't follow you are not the leader. Then you can teach the horse to lead in any position on command, at your side in front of you and so on. How can I know :) well after +30 years and enormous amount of horses, I can tell, they do follow if they accept you as a leader.

I like them with their head next to me. If they spoke they jump fastest forward and if behind they can jump on top of you. I like your use of the stick. Some people are soft and the horses develop bad habits. Shouldering in if they get their shoulder up next to you walking. I like to use a stick and just touch them with it. If needed slowly amp the pressure only as needed. Very nice thank you.

Hi Ryan I really ❤️ loved this video. So much valuable information and you make learning fun. 😊. Thank you.

I like them to do both when cued to. I've had to get off and have the horse follow me single file on a treacherous trail or bringing them through a gate. When through the gate if taking them to a pasture or loading in to trailer, beside me is ok

Behind. Pecking order does not allow for equals, only leaders and followers. Followers subordinate to the leaders. In a human/horse relationship, humans are (or should be) leaders and the horse the follower.

I think it depends on what you are doing like if you are ponying then you want your horse behind you. It also depends on the horse too

In halter classes and showmanship classes the horse must step off before the handler does. So we cluck or kiss while we are standing still and as soon as the horse steps off we follow through and step off too. It’s subtle and and it all happens fast.

Great video... Did a search on horsemanship and this video came up. Subscribed!

Another great video. I can't wait to go out and try this with my horses 😃

Great video, i took alot from this. Thank you ryan

Terrific thanks

Thank you for the breakdown! I look forward to checking out your Patreon.

This was very informative. My horses are pushy especially when they want to be fed. I will keep my carrot stick with me to push them away from me so they are not on top of me.

Hmmm...I feel like I've heard this before??? 😉 💯% was me!

Thank you!!!

Absolutely both

Depends on what your doing. Bring in from the pasture, they can stay behind some. At teaching liberty, next to me

Both, depending on circumstances

I teach behind me on narrow trails, just at my shoulder with their head when just walking wider areas ....

All I know is... don't do what riding schools tell you to do. They may medals in showing etc but they're not horse people lol (some are). I went to a professional riding school with my friend and her daughter, and to see the woman teaching the kids to hold the horse at the clip to the halter TERRIFIED me. I said to her daughter after that lesson, i know she teaches that, but DO NOT ever lead a horse at the clip, it's dangerous. And that you also need to give the horse it's head because if you don't, it will play up. I then went on to say, the riding school horses are all push button robots and this school teaches you seating not handling. Makes me mad seeing people take $150 an hour and then teach bad horsemanship. Also i was going to say both to your question lol

Yep our draft needs that training...hes a big boy so he thinks its ok to come into my space cause he gets treats...

Ideally, behind. But, each way has it's plusses and minuses.

Beside you. I made mistake of leading 3 yr old like a more broke horse and have a broken shoulder because of it! She spooked thru a gate and flattened me! My bad!

Hey @ryanrosehorsemanship thank you for the video, your insight is very appreciated and i learnt a lot from your video. I have just one question, what should i do if my horse freak out when i lead him in front and exert my personal bubble? Is there any sign if the horse going to charge at us? Thank you ryan hope you continue creating these great video

I have had spooky horses ram me in the back if the bolt forward from behind because I couldn’t see them to watch their ears and cues. That behind location seems just as risky as being next to me. Just my opinion

I love your videos, im currently training my first 4yr gelding, he has a wonderful soul, but ive been using your videos to help! I do have a question, whats your opinion on treats with training them? :D

Super!

Both are fine.

I have one who goes perfectly and one who tries to pass me everytime she want to go somewhere else 😂 I hope she cares if I bring a stick she isn't very scared bcs she knows I wouldn't hurt her 😂

Behind when going through doorways or tight spaces And beside when they know more and in more open areas Not in front or your probably getting pulled

I know exactly what you're talking about a friend of mine thought she knew her horse but she didn't it ran over top of her 🐎

Nice colt and a great training video. Is this buckskin colt for sale?

Both

I grew up in a show environment (4-H, showmanship, halter, western pleasure, etc) so it feels improper to me to have a horse behind me. But I DO know that's just due to the discipline I was in. It still doesn't stop my head from twitching when I see it, even though I know it's my neurosis lol.

Excellent! Do you think i can re-educate a 20 y old too pushy ? As i was in the pasture with him he had a great fear of a bouncing truck and jumped over me ….he is really gentle but don’t care about us when he spooks…..

How long is your lead rope? Thank you for sharing!

Can you please explain left brain and right brain.

My horse is always behind me. Because im the leader.

I had it explained to me as “Bart and Lisa “ I’m waving my arms around and if you walk into it, it’s your fault 😊

Behind or next to? Wouldn't it depend on the scenario? I mean, if I'm going down a narrow alley, I would lead with the horse behind me. (Unless for kicks, I decide to back my horse down the alley :) ) But sometimes, it's more convenient to have the horse beside me. Now, back to the video. What does Ryan Rose say?

when your halter breaking any horse should you teach the horse this too

Beside you is safest.

The horse in the video are so beautiful. What breed is it? And How tall is this horse?

I hope i can afford the patreon one day I really want to learn more.

What do you have to say about allowing the horse to move ahead of you? For instance when going through gates it is in some instances helpful to have the horse go through ahead of you.

I like to have my horse lead next to me most of the time

How long do you do this daily time wise? Also what do you suggest if your horse doesn’t care if the flag or stick bumps into them. Meaning they walk into to while moving it back and forth?

My answer: It depends!

How can you stop your horse from crossing infront of you while leading

I have a horse that when I ride her either along with another horse or by myself, she constantly winnie's in a high pitch Winnie. I've tried different bits hopping she'd play with the bit in her mouth. That didn't resolve it. Please any suggestions? I've owned horses since 11 years old. This is the first horse that has done this.

How can I go about doing this with a horse that will attempt to charge when being led

My horse follows me every were I go without a lead rope but have another one that wants to cut me off but is good I ride him he just wants to be in my bobble all time he is 8 and has had 5 owners is that ok or should I correct him thanks

Behind me

Not simple. Thankyou