I have a beautiful new boy that i backed myself and have ridden out about 7 times. But when it comes to leading him someplace he doesn’t feel like going he just grows roots and then backs up. I have tried everything- treats, patience, a longe whip- you name it- but he just circles me or backs up - The riding helps him go forward so he is becoming familiar with the property, but when I try to lead him into the barn, wash stall, or across the field he stops dead. Any suggestions? He is a sweet boy but needs work on the ground.
Use a butt rope, just like you would on a foal learning to lead. Either a closed loop, or, if that isn’t enough “impetus” to move forward, a lariat or noose, which will tighten up and squeeze his little butt cheeks to urge him to come forward. Of course, when he does come forward, you remove the pressure from the butt rope, so he “gets it”. Ask first with the halter, then tighten the butt rope if needed. Reward for the right decision on his part.
I did try a rope around his rump but it didn’t seem to help- He only does it when he is afraid- Sometimes I turn him around to back him in, but now he’s figured out how to hold his ground there as well. But he rides forward so I am trying that approach to get him going. I tried blindfolding him and circling first and that worked- that is a trick I use for loading in trailers- I am hoping once he is familiar with his surroundings he will give it up, as he has proven. But if I take him to a new location I am worried I am going to get “stuck” again-
He only does it when he is afraid
Ah, sounds like you might have a fear issue, not a leading issue 
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Warwick Schiller has some newer videos about leading towards areas / places that horses show concern about. Based on your description of what you’ve tried so far, the WS videos are a different process than what you’ve done already. It’s worked very well with my horse, though my guy is more flight than freeze like your boy sounds.
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I’d train him to do a pattern on the ground. I trained my OTTB to back up, step sideways away from me, and then walk forward. The pattern was simple but comforting for him. When he got nervous, I would stop and ask him for it. After repeating his pattern a few times he could calm down and we would continue walking. He always had issues ‘coming down’ after getting nervous from something, and his pattern was a good way to get his mind off of it for long enough for the brain to re-engage.
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He’s not sure that he believes you when you tell him that a situation is safe. You need to work on that.
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Tristan Tucker has a series of videos on YouTube that aim to teach horses how to ‘self sooth’ when they are worried. Here is one sample of how to deal with a spooky horse:
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Maybe play follow my leader with a really reliable companion. Then - teach him to ground drive.
It’s generally a mistake to base your training on what you perceive their motivations to be. The consequences to balking and evasion should be the same-- consistently and unemotionally applied – regardless whether he’s being stubborn or afraid. If you correct a horse differently based on “oh he’s afraid” vs. “what a little snot!” you are doing the horse no favors. A) we’re often wrong about what’s motivating them, and 2) when we’re inconsistent and the horse doesn’t know which way you’ll respond, you lose his trust (which won’t help his fear, if that’s really what’s motivating him).
BUT: If I were you I’d go back to the basics with the help of a pro trainer, because if there’s this big of a hole in his training that you can’t consistently & effectively lead him wherever you want to go, there are likely smaller but equally important holes that need to be filled before you progress to under saddle
This is not to negate the great training work you’ve done, but we all benefit from some impartial eyes on the ground. For instance there are likely earlier “tells” that he’s going to balk, that you’re missing-- maybe if you could correct him much earlier, you wouldn’t ever get to where his feet are planted.
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Are you turning to face him when he stops?
It seems to be instinctive, however if you do this, you are giving him mixed signals.
I second Warwick Schiller videos.
I used Schiller’s videos to teach my kid to lead when she thinks she needs to eat grass 24/7. I’ve transitioned to some other training tactics, but his videos help so much.
Put pressure on the halter and wait him out. Forward is the only answer that gets the pressure off the halter - period. Add some clucking if you think he needs a hint.
Repeat, repeat, repeat.
I would not give treats for this. This is not an “above and beyond” request - this is an expectation of him.
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I am terribly grateful for all of your insights- I am in NH staying with my dad in the hospital as he suffered a stroke. I cannot wait to get back to my farm to try out all the wonderful suggestions, Lots of great advice, thank you everyone !
I bought him from his breeding farm and he had shown successfully on the line. I am a seasoned horse person and my instincts are good- And i don’t take any crap from youngsters- but I am also the one to eventually get them to the ring and ultimately to indoors so I want them to trust me. I am very patient, but I have a good idea when it becomes time to lay down the law. I want them to be good horses that eventually anyone can handle and ride safely. I live on my farm and have 100% oversight, as well as many wonderful professionals at my disposal if I have questions. But I also have gotten a lot of insightful responses here at COTH! I appreciate hearing new ideas - Right now “Nugget” runs around the farm during the day and has begun to familiarize himself with everything. Also my two super nice geldings have been very patient with “the baby” and he follows them willingly, I am enjoying the process, once again. Our next project will involve loading onto the gooseneck.
Update- “Nugget” is wtc under saddle lightly a few days a week and now that he knows his way around he follows me “almost” everywhere. I got him on my trailer and into other “iffy” spots such as my wash stall by putting a large loop at the end of a longe line and placing it half way down his back and down under his tail, with the lead end in my other hand. So easy- it really works
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Have you ever ponied him? Just asking.
I have tried this method and it worked beautifully. I have a new riding ring and a new drag and my mare was initially very nervous about the drag in the corner … didn’t want to get within 25 feet of it. I followed WS’s instructions and although it seemed to be very slow at first, after about 20 minutes she wanted to go up to it and sniff it.
Now to try it on actual trailer training! (gulp!)
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