How to Easily Catch Your Horse

Last Updated: August 9, 2021

Does your horse drive you nuts running around you in circles in the field? Are you always late for riding lessons, shows, and rides because your horse took an hour to catch? This article will guide you through how to catch your horse. Be aware the steps might not work for someone else's horse.

Steps

1
Remember that horses are prey animals. DO NOT chase after them. Put yourself in their hooves: if you were a prey animal, you'd interpret anybody running at you as someone trying to kill you. Fight or flight: you'd either run or kick that person. If you are that person, you won't want that. So keep this in mind.
2
Don't stare your horse down. That's an aggressive look, and your horse won't like it. If the horse doesn't like what you're doing, he'll be all the harder to catch.
3
If there's a bunch of horses in the field, walk up to a different horse in the field, not yours. This makes it look like you want to catch that horse. Try to pick an easy to catch horse, so they don't walk away and set a bad example! Pet that horse, slide the halter on (if it fits), then off again. Then, keep your gaze down, and try to sidle towards your horse. Sometimes you can walk past your horse to a different horse and do it again.
4
If this doesn't work, try approach and retreat. Walk up to your horse, gazing at the ground so you don't appear aggressive. When they make a move to walk away, stop and back up. Repeat over and over until your horse lets you walk up to him.
5
If your horse doesn't come to you by the count of 10, swing your lead rope at him, stare him down, and get them to move off. Then, drop your arms and gaze and offer him to come towards you. If he doesn't, chase him off again. Repeat as many times as you have to, and eventually, your horse should get tired of the game and come to you. Just be patient!
6
Try not to use a treat, because then your horse comes only to the treat, not to you. But if you have to, lure your horse in with a treat.

Community Q&A

Question

In the winter months he is at the gate waiting to come in. He had lamanitis 3 years ago so I had to muzzle him. There's no muzzle this year, but he still won't come to me in the field when I have a head collar. Any suggestions?

Community Answer

You must put him in a stall or small pen and work with him by letting him sniff the halter. Give him a treat when he lets you walk up to him. Show him the halter and also give him a treat if he will let you slip it over his head.

Warnings

Any time you are working with horses it can be dangerous. Wear closed toed shoes or boots, you might want to wear a helmet, and get an adult/professional if your horse acts dangerously!

Thanks!
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