become confused and unknowingly reward an inappropriate response. To master this chal- lenge requires focus, timing, patience, and ex- perience but it makes for much more relaxing and enjoyable days in equine practice.
Acknowledgments
Conflict of Interest The Author declares no conflicts of interest.
Fig. 2. When being led, most horses are accustomed to the handler holding the shank (lead rope) approximately 6 to 12 in. from the halter. The handler is in the safest position if the horse moves forward while the handler maintains a location approxi- mately even with the throatlatch on the left side. If the patient is unaccustomed to being led in this manner then the handler should let the shank slide through his/her hand to the third position.
Fig. 3. This location is variable but, generally, the idea is for the handler to walk/trot out in front of the horse, encouraging the animal to follow. The distance down the shank can be relatively short (3–4 feet) or much longer, if necessary, to achieve the desired result. There is no substitute for practice and experi- ence when leading a horse safely at a walk or trot.
