Paula R. from California wrote,
"I have a horse who pulls back on the lead rope. Not consistently, just enough for it to be a problem, Do you think using a shank would help?"

"Hello, Paula:
Thanks for your training question. It is a little difficult for me to answer without seeing exactly how your horse is responding. Does he appear more frightened or more defiant in his attitude when he is pulling back? In either case, a horse who pulls back on the lead rope is not "giving" to pressure. He is still exhibiting his opposition reaction which is to pull back and try to get away from the pressure on his head from the halter or bit.

The horse must learn by many, many, many consistent repetitions that if he "gives" in the direction of the pressure and overcomes his natural response, that he will ALWAYS be rewarded by a release of the pressure. It is the timing of the release that will tell him if he has done the right thing. Shanking does not work because it causes more pain to the horse and simply adds to his confusion and fear and his natural opposition response. He will become even more frightened or perhaps eventually even aggressive towards you, and try to bite, strike or trample over you to avoid the pain.

So you must start from the beginning with little baby steps and teach him by applying only a little bit of pressure and then releasing it and praising him profusely and allowing him to rest for a little while the moment he even starts to think about coming forward in the direction of the pressure. If he doesn't come forward, don't yank on him. Apply slightly more pressure in increments separated by a few seconds, until the horse looks like he is thinking about stepping forward.

Build it up from there with little steps until he maybe leans forward a little, then maybe starts to lift a foot, etc, etc. You will know you are releasing the pressure and rewarding him fast enough and at the right time if he improves each time you ask for him to come forward, and eventually "gives" with his body and walks forward as you lead him. Try to make it fun, and try not to reprimand him for not doing it perfectly. You can practise this for many hours. Always give the horse time to think it out and ask with as little pressure as possible at first. Then when he is very secure going forward when you lead him, try the same techniques with the back-up.

"Giving" to the bit or halter pressure is the foundation for all control, and cannot be overemphasized or practised enough. You should have your horse "give" at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of everything you ask him to do. This is how you teach him to be calm and respectful of you and your space, and to listen to your commands. We spend a lot of time at the clinics and the 2-week sessions I give learning and practising this very basic skill. The horse must be trained to respond positively to our requests, not to follow his own opposition reactions, be they for fight or for flight.

Thanks again for your question, Paula."