This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Privacy Overview
Pulling Ponies Won’t Quit Grass Grabbing In-Hand
Q: My Miniature Horse pulls on me to graze when I’m leading him. How can I lead him without him eating grass? — Allison, Ohio
A: Miniature Horses and ponies, with their strong and short little necks and incredible food motivation, can be formidable! It doesn’t take too many successful maneuvers for any horse or pony to learn they are stronger than you.
There are a few simple methods of countering the head-down grazing behavior. Rather than trying to pull straight up, pull your horse’s head to the side to turn in a tight circle or engage the hind end into moving by a light tap or swing of the end of the lead rope. Getting the horse to move forward is counter to planting his feet and nose to the ground
Create a free account with TheHorse.com to view this content.
TheHorse.com is home to thousands of free articles about horse health care. In order to access some of our exclusive free content, you must be signed into TheHorse.com.
Start your free account today!
Already have an account?
and continue reading.
Written by:
Nancy Diehl, VMD, MS
Related Articles
Should I Feed My Senior Horse Beet Pulp?
Understanding EDM/eNAD in Horses
Positive Reinforcement in Practice
Sugar and Peppermint Treats: Not Safe for All Horses
Stay on top of the most recent Horse Health news with
FREE weekly newsletters from TheHorse.com
Sponsored Content
Managing Horse Wounds for Optimal Healing
AAEP Preview: SmartPak Gastric Support
AAEP Preview: Bionote USA
Weekly Poll
Readers’ Most Popular
Top Categories