LINE DRIVING A HORSE

There are multiple reasons to line drive. I will take you step by step into several aspects of line driving, and the reasons to do so. The explanation of line driving is to hook long lines to the bit and run them through a harness, saddle, or surcingle back to you behind the horse. I have developed a technique that is pretty safe for even a beginner. Instead of running the lines back the back of the horse. Run the line closest to you from the bit through the harness or saddle stirrup or surcingle the loop the end into a manageable loops to hold and reach up and take the line between the girth section and the head into the same hand. This is done so you can walk beside the horse and lead him off if he gets confused or spin him in a circle if he gets quick. His comfort zone will be by you! Pet him or her every once in awhile to make him both secure and enjoy the work. The far line will go around the rump above the hocks and into your hand closest to the horse. To steer him left. In order to aid him in steering left you can guide him with a push from the side you are standing by as well. Once he is going well and under control and knows whoa, step behind him and steer. Always make sure you are a safe distance not to get kicked.

The first reason to line drive is: 1) to start a colt to learn how to use the bit. It is helpful if your horse knows how to steer before you get on his back.
2). It will teach your colt to move forward. A forward horse does not start problems from sulking, rearing, or refusing to move when asked to.
3) You can teach a horse to woe before you get on him! A good woe taught through repetition and not abuse is very important to a good horse. If line drove properly, you will have very little problems when it comes time to ride your colt.

4) Another reason to line drive is for problem horses.

The three major problems I get from horses that people send me are:
1) rearing,
2) refusal to move forward or go where he is asked.
3) Claustrophobic.

In order to get a rearing horse over rearing, work with your horse in a secure area if you have one or if you are inexperienced, get help. Horses usually rear in order to not move forward or to avoid something they may fear. Or in a panic situation where they did something and were hit because of it and fear of the hit again they rear to loose you.
 

First, we need to get him use to the principle of line driving and then WITH NO ABUSE teach him to move forward (get someone to lead as you follow till he gets use to you driving him and the leader falls back till it is the person behind him moving him forward. A horse will usually rear when first asked to move, or when asked to stop. You move him forward and then whoa him for just a second. (Sort of a half halt) as your horse stops rearing extend the whoa till eventually he will start and stop for long periods of time with no rearing. Teaching a horse to move forward over different objects and through different situations and areas will get him to ride through water or over objects or between objects. This also helps him if he is claustrophobic.