Teaching horses to be Comfortable with Ropes

Q: Why use a ground helper to simulate a ponied horse?

Per Richard Winters: a person on the ground can move predictably—back, side, in front—while the rider practices managing reins and lead rope simultaneously. The rider learns the coordination in a controlled environment without endangering a real horse who might panic at a beginner's mistake.

Q: What's the right hand position for a dally?

Per Richard Winters: hold the horse-end of the rope with thumb up and little finger down—like holding an ice cream cone. That grip keeps your fingers out of the wrap when you dally and prevents the dangerous fingers-caught-under-rope injury that ends careers.

Q: How many wraps around the horn?

Per Richard Winters: one counter-clockwise wrap creates enough friction to hold most lead-rope demands. More wraps mean less ability to release if something goes wrong—a critical safety factor with any kind of rope around the horn.

Q: What kind of horse should I pony from first?

Per Richard Winters: a quiet, gentle, well-broke horse who tolerates lead-rope contact and isn't pushy. Save the green horses and the bossy horses for after you've handled the technique on an easy partner.

Q: Should I always dally, or just hold the rope?

Per Richard Winters: hand-hold for a calm horse following easily; dally only when you need real holding power and the horse is rope-prepared. Dallying creates leverage that can yank a rider out of the saddle if things go wrong, so reserve it for situations that actually require it.

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Teaching Your Horse To Handle A Rope - Part 2

Horse Trainer - Clinician Richard Winters

Last month we learned to prepare and desensitize your horse to a lariat rope in Part 1. With that preparation, it is now possible to use these skills to perform practical tasks. With Richard Winters

Ponying Another Horse:

With help from a friend you can safely simulate a pull on the rope and build confidence.

This simple job can turn into a dangerous situation if you or your horse are not prepared and organized. I recently helped a group of riders develop their skills with the help of a person on the ground. I had the ground person simulate the ponyed horse while the rider learned to handle their reins and the lead rope simultaneously. A helper can move from the back, to the side, and in front of your horse while you adjust your horses, reins, and the lead rope accordingly. This is also a good opportunity to practice dallying around the saddle horn. With the end of the rope in your left hand (along-with your reins) hold the horse end” of the rope with your right. When preparing to dally, your right hand should be as if you are holding an ice cream cone. Thumb up and little finger down. Wrap your rope one turn counter-clockwise around the horn. Now you have a solid base to hold a horse that is not leading well. In this simulation game, you can practice dallying and managing the rope numerous times in a controlled situation and avoid dangerous situations while you hone your skills.

When you’re ready for a real horse, you should start with a quiet gentle horse at first.

You also need to know how concerned your saddle horse is with another horse tracking so close. Managing your own horse while dealing with the rope and an extra horse can be over-whelming if you haven’t prepared and if you don’t stay organized.

Dragging a Log:

I am pulling the pole to myself - allowing my colt to observe its movement.

There are numerous competitions where dragging an object with a rope is required. Trail classes, versatility, competitive trail riding and extreme cowboy racing often incorporate this task during the contest. I introduce this to my horse with something light, such as a small pole or tire. I want to have the ability to pull the object with just the strength of my arm if I desire. This can be scary for some horses at first. It appears like something very unnatural is happening. It can feel like this object is chasing them. Start off slow with small movements. It could be helpful to begin in a smaller arena such as a round pen. Face the object and give it a small pull. What is your horse’s reaction? Perhaps he is unconcerned. Or he might be thinking this object is going to eat him. This is your starting point. Now ride your horse up to the object and then ride past it to the other side.

Face it again and give it a small tug. Do this multiple times until your horse is comfortable with these small movements.

I allow my colt to pull the pole around to the right.

You are now prepared to drag the object. Walk by the pole and keep going until the rope is tight and the pole begins to move. Drag it a few feet and then turn your horse to face it. Remember, you must always be able to let go and be free of the rope if your horse panics and things fall apart. Now approach the pole and walk to the other side and begin dragging it a few feet in the other direction. All of these exercises are to build your horse’s confidence, not shatter it. Take the time it takes for your individual horse to get comfortable.

Be aware of how your horse handles the rope around his rump when moving to the left.

Your horse will also need to be desensitized to the rope along his rump when you move in the opposite direction. If you are holding the rope in your right hand, clockwise (right) turns will be safer. In that direction the rope is out away from your horse’s hind-end. When turning counterclockwise (left) the rope will rub up against your horse’s hind end. This can be scary for some horses. This is when you’ll know how well you’ve prepared your horse. You also need to take care that the rope does not get up under your horses tail in this configuration. That’s a pretty good way to get bucked off!

All of these things must be introduced systematically. You can never assume that something is alright until you’ve spent the time introducing it to your horse. As you and your horse develop these skills, you’ll both become braver and handier in many types of situations. When other riders feel overwhelmed and out of control, you’ll be able to exemplify good horsemanship and showcase a solid equine partner.

For more information about Richard Winters Horsemanship please go to wintersranch.com.

Key Article Takeaways

Per Richard Winters: ponying with rope skills depends on both horses being rope-prepared.
Practice dallying with a ground helper simulating the ponied horse before doing it for real.
Right-hand dally hold: thumb up, little finger down—"holding an ice cream cone."
One counter-clockwise wrap around the horn creates a solid base for a heavy pull.
Start with a quiet gentle ponied horse before adding any complications.

Questions readers commonly ask:

Why use a ground helper to simulate a ponied horse?

Per Richard Winters: a person on the ground can move predictably—back, side, in front—while the rider practices managing reins and lead rope simultaneously. The rider learns the coordination in a controlled environment without endangering a real horse who might panic at a beginner's mistake.

What's the right hand position for a dally?

Per Richard Winters: hold the horse-end of the rope with thumb up and little finger down—like holding an ice cream cone. That grip keeps your fingers out of the wrap when you dally and prevents the dangerous fingers-caught-under-rope injury that ends careers.

How many wraps around the horn?

Per Richard Winters: one counter-clockwise wrap creates enough friction to hold most lead-rope demands. More wraps mean less ability to release if something goes wrong—a critical safety factor with any kind of rope around the horn.

What kind of horse should I pony from first?

Per Richard Winters: a quiet, gentle, well-broke horse who tolerates lead-rope contact and isn't pushy. Save the green horses and the bossy horses for after you've handled the technique on an easy partner.

Should I always dally, or just hold the rope?

Per Richard Winters: hand-hold for a calm horse following easily; dally only when you need real holding power and the horse is rope-prepared. Dallying creates leverage that can yank a rider out of the saddle if things go wrong, so reserve it for situations that actually require it.