Forward on Command

If you must tug the lead rope or tap with a whip to get forward movement from your horse, you’ll be even less likely to succeed at an obstacle, such as a stream, bridge, tarp—or trailer. Here’s a straightforward method to establish a reliable go-forward response.

1. Stand next to your haltered horse, then walk on without pressure on the lead rope.

2. If he doesn’t step forward with you, guide him forward with your hand on the lead rope but without applying pressure to his halter.

3. If he still doesn’t step forward, place just enough contact on the rope to create slight pressure on his halter, then wait patiently. Keep the light pressure on until he releases it himself by stepping forward. Keep the pressure off, allow him to stop, then repeat the cycle, always seeking to get forward movement with the least “asking” possible. (Use the same methodology to train him to stop when you stop.)

4. If not even sustained contact on the rope prompts him to move forward, that means he’s learned there will be no release even if he complies, and he’ll need extra urging. In this case, add reinforcement to the steady lead-rope contact using a dressage whip. Start by lifting your whip hand and pointing toward his hip. If he steps forward, immediately release both cues (slack into the lead rope and whip hand down).

If he still doesn’t step forward, apply light, rhythmic tapping to his hip. If he steps forward, immediately release the lead pressure, and stop the tapping.

All this may take time and repetition until he fully understands and steps lightly forward with just a directional cue from the lead rope, no longer needing support from the dressage whip.