Avoid having other people, horses, or animals present in the pen when you’re attempting to harness your horse.
Approach your horse near its shoulder from the front side so it can see you well. Avoid approaching the horse from behind or directly in front of it because it has a gap in its vision and may not be able to see you. If the horse bucks or runs away at the sight of the harness, that is okay. Let it run around or back up, and then approach it again slowly or wait for it to come back to you. You may need to repeat this several times until you’re able to stand next to it.
If the horse bucks or runs away, stop and stand still until they’ve stopped moving. Then start approaching it again.
If you brought treats with you, you could always take one out and carry it in your right hand so your horse can see it, too. You could also use a bucket of grain to encourage your horse to come closer to you.
If you ever feel that the horse is too upset and that you could get hurt, leave the pen. Give the horse 5 minutes to calm down, and then try again.
The lead rope attaches to the halter, and you use it to lead the horse around. Remember to use reassuring words while positioning the lead rope.
Depending on how skittish the horse it, it may pull its head away several times during this process. Keep a firm hold on the lead rope around its neck to keep control of the horse, and be persistent. It may take a few tries, but you’ll get the noseband in place!
Be extra gentle around the horse’s ears. Many horses have sensitive ears and get upset if they’re accidentally smushed down or touched on the inside. Take care to not fasten them down or yank them in any way.
Don’t yank on the lead rope. Eventually, you’ll be able to start leading your horse around the pen and teaching it to walk beside you, but for the first few weeks of halter-training, you just want to acclimate it to the harness itself.
Repeat this process for 2 to 3 weeks before moving on to leading the horse around. Ideally, you want the horse to not be skittish or aggressive when you approach it with the halter before you start the next part of its training.
This process is also called lunging. Many people use enclosed pens to train horses, teach them new commands, and build rapport.
Be patient with yourself and your horse. It can take weeks of time to get an unruly horse to work with you.
Keep treats with you to give your horse when it comes up to you. Try treats like carrots, apples, grapes, pumpkins, and strawberries. Use the horse’s name when you are around it. Try giving the horse a treat when you say its name. Establish a connection by touching the horse’s shoulder, mane, neck, ears, face, and nose.
Over time, your horse will associate you and your voice with positive emotions. The horse may still be skittish, but you’re moving in the right direction. Before you know it, your horse will be approaching you when it’s time to put on its halter.
