leading problems

Question
hi there  i have a 6 year old mare we got and she is hard to lead i hold her at her shoulder and she is ok walking straight and even turning left but if i need to go right she is right there and we go in a circle to get her to head in the right direction she will turn her head in and butt out too . Also tring to lung she will come in how can i get this under control befor she runs over someone

Answer
Hi Becky!  This is a great question, solving this problem will make a huge change in your relationship with your horse.  Here goes...your mare has not learned to move off of your pressure and she is not seeing you as leader.  Horses are herd animals and they are looking for someone they can trust to show them the way.  Remember, the horse is  only doing what she thinks she needs to do to survive.  We need to show her that you have a plan and that she can trust what your are asking her to do.  She has learned to take over, and come up with her own plan.  You are going to change the relationship by first letting her know that you are leading the dance.  If you have access to a round pen (60 foot), small pasture (1/8) acre, or small arena, that would be great.  You are going to start by teaching her to "hook-on" to you, that is, give you the respect and attention she would give her herd leader.  Put her in the round pen and turn her loose.  I want you to send her away from you at a brisk trot or lope.  If her attention is on anything but you, turn up the heat, really make her move!  If she drops a shoulder and invades your space, spin the tail end of your lead rope, in an overhand motion and let her run into the pressure.  If she kicks at you, another sign of disrespect, add more pressure.  I want you to really be watching your mare.  The moment she takes a look at you no matter how small, TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF!  I want you to  come still and quiet.  If she does not stay with you, turn the heat up again.  Pretty soon your mare will figure out, if your releases are good, that being with you is soft and quiet, having her attention elsewhere is hard work.  In short order she will be looking at you in a new way.  Keep repeating this process, pressure on for lack of attention, soft and quiet for her attention.  Soon, she will be keeping her attention on you and following you around the pen.   When she is focusing on you, rub her, make her comfortable, let her know that there is something in it for her.

When you can get her to move away from you at a walk, trot and lope both ways in the pen and face up on you, halter her.  When haltering, make her part of the process.  Don't just stick the halter on her head, see if you can get her to reach for it.  I want you to be working in a good rope halter with a 12' lead if possible.  Send her out on a nice 10 meter circle around you at the walk, this is not lounging.  Make sure she is walking evenly, all four feet reaching.  If you are walking to the left, the lead is in your left hand, arm up almost pointing in the direction.  The tail end of your rope is in your right hand offering support.  If she drops a shoulder and comes into your space, spin the tail end of your lead over-hand and come down on her shoulder sending the shoulder out.  Only do as much as you need to do to get a change.  Now disengage her hind quarters.  This means as she is walking forward, start stepping toward her flank area.  Stay an arms length away.  Change hands on the lead, keeping forward motion, bend her head and neck until her inside hind leg reaches up and under her body and she comes still and faces up on you.  Rub her, step back with her facing you, open your hand to the right and send her right with the tail of the rope in your left hand.  The direction comes from your leading hand and support from the opposite hand.  Your mare will pick up on the pattern.  Be consistent and you will be able to lead her from the left and right side.  When you step into her, your body language will send a clear message for her to step away from the pressure and give you the respect of a true leader.  I know this is a long answer, but quality horsemanship is not quick and simple.  Take the time now and have the equine partner you have always wanted.  Let me know how it is going.  I'll be happy to add more information as you need it.