Establishing leadership with your horse is about consistency, calm confidence, and clear cues. Horses naturally look for a leader, so standing tall, using confident body language, and following through with gentle groundwork exercises, like leading and stopping, helps them see you as a trustworthy guide. Over time, they’ll relax and respond better, making your bond stronger and riding more enjoyable!

Hi Liezel,
Where in SA are you? one can find the bitless bridle in Dee’s in Johannesburg near Fourways if you are in Gauteng. I’m in Mpumalanga. Good luck.

Greatest advice ever! thank you so much. x

Imho this little filly is not insecure,she is just finding her place in your herd of 2,she is being disrespectful and you are correct in behaving like the mare..Sadly,many people make the assumption that horses think things through like we do..this is not the case ..they live in the”now”and by making excuses for their behavior,we can only add to the problem..by keeping “cuddly and lovable” at arms length you will stay safe and also send clear messages on what is acceptable.Horses are full faculty learners from birth..treat her like a grown-up..she will soon become one!!

your horse sounds like she has been led by the snap..hold the lead about 2 feet away..if she crowds you ,without turning to look at her, lift your right foot(like you are trying to slap your rear with it)twice ..if she doesn’t back away take a step back and repeat..she will yield. Don’t acknowledge her,walk forward..if she doesn’t follow walk off to the side..this will unstick her feet and she will follow.I use a simple exercise with my horses to remind them who I am..walk forward,stop(stamp your foot and flap elbows at first)turn in towards his neck 180 degrees and walk purposefully back swinging the lead,bending forward and looking at her rump..she should yeild her hind away..if she doesn’t..you are allowed to “tag”her with your rope..never pull on her head..do not look at her but continue to walk in that direction..very soon she will become respectful and attentive and will mirror your movements.I bought a 12 yo abused unbroken show arab who spent her life on her back legs boxing and who was so dangerous she was kept behind two gates instead of one.Today 3years on, she is happy and well balanced.Engage her curiosity..give her a ball..tarp,poles, platform..ask her to put her nose on things(even better do it with another horse in front of her and let her want it!)..dont try to lunge her into submission,unless you are doing a very technical “Join Up”, Arabs can run forever before they get tired!

I had a similar experience when I was walking into the paddock to catch my horse. We own about 19 horses. The herd leader charged at me with his ears back and his teeth bared. My horse, Snoopy, put himself between me and the leader and reared up. They both reared up at each other, Snoopy then took off at a run and the leader chased after him. It wasn’t until they were about 100metres away from me that Snoopy turned on his heels and lashed out at the leader. Both only had minor injuries afterwards.
Ever since that day, the herd leader has not charged at me.
Snoopy protected me in two ways – by putting himself in between me and the leader; and by making sure that the fight occurred a safe distance away from me.