Training Tip: Gain control of your horse’s front end with Yield the Forequarters

Control of your horse’s forequarters equals control of his direction of movement. Think of your horse’s head and neck like his steering wheel. The better control you can get of his steering wheel, the more responsive he’ll be and the more respect he’ll have for you. Why? Because when your horse realizes you can determine where he puts his feet (just as the boss mare in a herd determines where the other horses put their feet), he’ll see you as a competent and in control leader. Horses that are pushy and disrespectful use their head, neck and shoulders to push you around and move you out of their way. Once you can control his forequarters, your horse will have an entirely different perspective of you.