KBR Horse Training Information Exercising Body AND Mind Round Corral Logic Part Three Once the horse is moving and yielding for you and will draw, it's time to enhance the properties of the draw.
Once the horse is attentive, you should be able to work the draw by simply stepping backwards. In this illustration, I was walking just behind the drive line and while still focused on the horse, stepped backwards 2 or 3 steps. The horse, being focused on his position relative to mine, instinctively fills in the void left by the draw. This simple maneuver leads to other interesting moves.

Once you have established the draw, you can progress to "leading off-line." The horse should remain focused on his position relative to yours. In this picture I'm actually walking toward the horse and he is backing up. We went forward and back several times. Until I became completely relaxed (neutral), he maintained the separation which I had established.

In this image I am now walking around the horse and if you notice his legs, he is actually doing a turn over the forehand in order to maintain his position relative to mine. He knows exactly where I am (including my feet) and he is very attentive to my movement and signals. By varying the diameter of my circle and whether I am walking into him or around him, I can get him to turn over the forehand, over the haunches or spin in place.

As soon as I go "neutral" and invite him into my space, he will come in. He is relaxed, knows what's going on, is comfortable with me being the boss, and now he gets a reward of a neck rub and some withers scratches for a job well done.

Return to Part Two For related information, see "Staying a Kick Away". Continue to "Longe Line Logic". "Working a Wild Horse in a Round Pen". Important Note: If you take on the project of developing an untrained horse, everybody will want to give you advice. Don't act on any advice, including the ideas offered in this site, unless it makes sense to you and fits your individual situation. Your abilities and the sensitivities of your horse(s) may differ from the examples given. Be alert and rational with your actions so neither you nor your horse will get hurt. This information is offered as illustrations of what we do and the reader must apply common sense since he or she is solely responsible for his or her actions. Happy trails! Press "Back" to return to the page that brought you here Go to Case Study Section Return to Training Section Return to Wild Horse Mentors Return to KBR World of Wild Horses and Burros Go To KBR Horse Net KBR Horse Training Information, © 1997 Lamm's Kickin' Back Ranch and Willis & Sharon Lamm. All rights reserved. Duplication of any of this material for commercial use is prohibited without express written permission. This prohibition is not intended to extend to personal non-commercial use, including sharing with others for safety and learning purposes, provided this copyright notice is attached. Email us to submit comments or request reproduction permission.