Barbour Performance Horses

02/19/2025

So often horses come in sweet and friendly, but are actually only broke to follow, not to lead

QUICK TIP
Broke to lead vs Broke to follow

Often times when we get young horses in that are home grown and started, we run into a leading issue. It’s not a big deal but is often confusing to the owner when we try to explain that the horse isn’t very halter broke. A halter broke horse is broke to LEAD.

When a horse is broke to lead, they follow the leadrope where ever it takes them, it doesn’t matter what’s on the other end. It can be a person, a dog, a horse trailer, a hot walker, etc. The better they are broke to lead, the more they will listen to the leadrope in a difficult situation.

When a horse is broke to follow then they follow a person around and they happen to be wearing a halter and leadrope. Generally when they get startled the leadrope means nothing and they try to drag the person off or they get loose.

So as a c**t starter which one do we want? Well BOTH of course! We want them broke to lead to help them through difficult situations. It makes them safer to lead and ride, and we can keep them from running off and getting hurt. It also helps them be tied up.

We want them broke to follow so that they are easier to catch and we can build a better relationship with them. Horses who follow and willingly choose to be with us tend to have more confidence in people and enjoy being around them.

If you’re raising a young one of your own, get BOTH of these things good! If you don’t know how then call your favorite trainer and get a lesson. They can also check your work if you think you’ve already got it good. 🤠

12/24/2024

Sometimes you just have to stop and admire.
Merry Christmas from our herd to yours!!

11/24/2024

Well that’s one way to clear the driveway

11/23/2024

11/16/2024

When the last “horse” of the day is likely to be the most savage 🤣. Big attitude in small packages

05/26/2024

Trs Snickelfritz Cat. Pretty red dun 2023 filly looking for new home. She leads, loads, ties, up to date with farrier work and deworming. Should mature to 14.3hh or so.

05/04/2024

Nurse Mare found

Nurse mare needed asap

04/07/2024

Charlie is a 2021 QH gelding, 15hh. He was lightly started last summer, rode inside and out down the trail with others by his owner. Currently in training to further his education, 60+days, will continue to be rode until sold. Charlie has a big fun personality, not spooky, not hot, has a big smooth stride. He has not seen cattle yet, but has been started on roping and dragging the dummy. Would make a good ranch or rope horse. Located just outside Saskatoon, high 4 figures.

03/26/2024

When your used to horses and ya got big dogs!!!

03/22/2024

03/22/2024

Good old Boone, you touched a lot of lives, don’t think there was a kid that didn’t love you, by far the most reliable lesson horse I’ve had. RIP old girl, you earned it

02/14/2024

🛑 STOP TRAINING THE MANEUVERS 🛑

Get your horse broke first, get him to bend to your leg, get them to move their shoulders, their hips, their ribs, teach them to follow their nose, to ride between your hands and legs…

Fix their dropped shoulders, their leaning into the circle, pushing through the bridle, running off, take their edge off, get them to fully relax….

The maneuvers will come easy if you teach and fix all the boring stuff.

Remember the 80/20 rule.