Walk Your Horse Like a Dog
Yes, I did say walk your horse like a dog. By that I mean lead your horse by the halter and take him for a walk like you would your dog. I have done this over the years with my horses and I think it is one the best ways to bond with your horse.
The first time I did this was way back when, when I got my first horse and I didn’t even have tack to ride her. I decided I was going to take her for a walk around the neighborhood. I did this just about every time I visited her. The main reason we bonded so quickly was probably because of the quality time I was spending with her but I also think that the trust came with me leading her. She was unfamiliar with her surroundings and looked to me for security. I was the lead horse essentially.
When I got my second horse I did the same thing even though I did have tack to ride her. I did this so she would familiarize herself with me and her new surroundings I took her for a walk around the neighborhood. I did this often and even walked her when I was pregnant with my baby daughter.
I believe that taking my horses for walks is what accelerated the bonding process. I 
was able to be on the ground and read them better. I could find out what spooked them while I was on the ground. I was also able to reassure them because I wasn’t afraid of getting dumped. My horses learned to trust me as the lead horse on the ground so when it’s riding time everything goes a lot smoother.
Not all horses are easy to lead though. When I first got my Diamond she was a bit clumsy and didn’t always respect my space. In other words she stepped on my feet a lot. Our walks fixed that issue and I was able to teach her to respect my space and save my feet.
I recommend everyone trying this and see how it changes the relationship between you and your horse. I especially recommend this for the horses that are always expected to ride when taken out of the stall. Change things up a bit and walk your horse like a dog.
- January 4th
Very good tip.
[...] So for now, we’ll be walking our horse like a dog. In fact, Mona over at the Horse Approved blog wrote about that very subject earlier this month in her post Walk Your Horse Like a Dog. Not only does it get them familiar with your neighborhood and your tack, I have to agree with Mona that it’s good bonding time. [...]
I love this article. I just got a new horse. Haven’t owned one in years. She is a bit spooky and nervous. I didn’t have any tack yet so I began walking her like a dog. It worked wonderfully! The scary over the creek hollow sounding bridge became old hat, the dogs down the road no problem, etc. Then when my tack came in she was ready to ride out in the neighborhood and did really well. I would recommend dog walking your horse to anyone.
[...] Here are a few of the blogs I heart. There are many more, but start with these to see what you think. All are informative and entertaining. Enjoy the ride, er, read! Over at Horse Approved, I enjoyed reading Mona’s post Walk Your Horse Like a Dog. Annie and I do this on those days when she and/or I are a bit out-of-sorts, walking around the property and trails surrounding our barn. I chat (who cares if others think I’m loopy) and she listens (horses are the best listeners). I also walk my dog like a horse, but that’s another blog post for another time… [...]
Great article, gorgeous horse. What breed? I love your new blog!
[...] out of school I finally have time to start riding again. A while back I wrote an article titled , Walk Your Horse Like a Dog. This article talks about the benefits walking your horse by halter and lead can improve your [...]
I read your article ‘walk your horse like a dog’. I have been doing this with my 6yr old Standardbred gelding for over 18 mths now. He follows me everywhere when he is not being led by his halter. I take him for walks around the huge farm that I live on. If he cannot see me or doesn’t know where I am, he will scream out and come galloping up to me. He has no other company but me, which has caused some problems. I have a very close bond with my gelding, but due to leg and back problems my gelding cannot be ridden. I have back problems as well which stops me from riding my gelding but we have our daily walks together so this helps both of us. I am 55 yrs old and have owned and been around horses since I was 8 yrs old. I hope my love of horses will continue until my last breath. I have always given horses an excellent home, with the best of feed and attention. Horses are truly beautiful animals and I am glad that I have been able to help give a horse a good home.
I love this article. I’ve had a horse for about 4 months now and we are getting to know and trust each other very well. I’m still looking for ways to bond with her. She’s a rescue horse and is very skiddish going out for a ride, just the two of us, leaving the herd behind.
I’ll try walking her and see if that helps. My main goal is to continue to develop our relationship and give her a very trusting, consistent relationship.
Thanks for the tip!
Your article is so refreshing to read. I have been walking my Connemara pony like a dog for the last seven years, and we have such a nice time together!
Last week we saw a fantastic multi-coloured rainbow, and sometimes we even see some deer.
One of my friend’s golden setters has now decided to come along with us on our walks.
We really are lucky to have such kind friends!
Hmmm… , i was looking for information on dogs, being a dog lover myself but i was directed to you site - anyway your post pproved | Walk Your Horse Like a Dog , looks to be very informative - i wish you success .