Leading your horse

It’s Not About the Face—It’s About the FeetThink of it this way:
Your lead rope isn’t connected to your horse’s face—it's connected to their feet.
I know what you're thinking:
“Wait, what? What does that even mean?”
Let me explain.
Your horse is your dance partner. If you stop, they should stop. If you lead, they should follow. Instantly. No lag, no guesswork, no dragging behind or barging ahead.
When I create energy in the lead rope (what I call a “bump”), I expect the horse’s feet to move--not just the head. A lot of people bump their horse and see the head toss or pull up, but the feet don’t go anywhere. That’s a problem.
Why?
Because when the feet are stuck, the horse feels trapped. And when a horse feels trapped, they get defensive.
But when the feet always follow the feel, when they flow with the energy of the rope—you’ll always have control. You only lose control when you lose say over where your horse puts their feet.
So here’s a quick self-checklist. Be honest.

✅ How’s Your Groundwork?

1. Does your horse stop when you stop?
   Not after three extra steps. I mean stop with you—instantly.
   
2. Does your horse turn right?
   So many people always go left without thinking. Your horse should be just as responsive going right.
   
3. Does your horse back up when you do?
   Or do you have to drag, pull, or beg?
   
4. Does your horse stay out of your space?
   Or are you constantly trying to stay out of theirs?
   
5. Can you keep slack in the rope while your horse matches your speed?
   If you walk faster, do they? If you slow down, do they?
   
6. If you tripped and fell, would your horse run you over?
   (Yeah, seriously. That happens. It’s a respect issue.)
   
7. Could my 2-year-old daughter lead your horse safely?
   If not, there’s still work to do.
   

🎯 The Bottom LineHold your horse accountable--all the time. These aren’t just exercises; they’re your safety, your horse’s clarity, and your connection.
Come back to this checklist regularly.
Make it part of your warm-up.
Make it part of your mindset.
When the feet follow the feel, everything else gets easier—from groundwork to riding.
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