Stressed on walks in hand - how do I get control?

Hi!

Your horse sounds like a real challenge🐴😊

🐴What you describe, that she is spooky and hesitant on the way out and then in a hurry to get home, is actually completely normal horse behaviour. Horses are herd animals and are happiest in the company of other horses. When we take them out alone on a hack or a walk, they often do not find it much fun, so they would rather not leave the yard and are keen to hurry home again.

🐴As you say yourself, it does not help much to force the horse to listen and obey with a harsher bit, chains or, for that matter, treats and praise, unless you have established a shared language and an understanding of how to behave on a walk.

🐴It sounds as though she feels safer when you ride rather than walk beside her. That is no surprise either. We are often better at backing and systematically schooling our horses for being ridden than for being led and walked in hand.

🐴With that said, I think you need to practise leading your horse. You actually do it all the time, every time you lead them to and from the field, in and out of the stable, and on longer walks.

🐴Start by being very precise when you handle her. Practise leading exercises and other communication exercises in the stable, on the yard and in the arena or indoor school. You need to build a relationship and an understanding strong enough that she trusts and listens to you even when you are out without the company of other horses.

🐴Once you feel she listens and follows you in a controlled environment such as the yard and the arena, you can start to take shorter walks with another horse for company. Try to go the same route, and pay attention to which time of day is easiest for your horse. Some become more spooky in the afternoon or evening, when shadows and contrasts grow sharper.