If you are leading a horse with a headcollar fitted take the lead rope in your right hand 12 to 18 inches from the headcollar and hold the slack in the other hand.

Stand facing forward between the horse's head and shoulders and say 'walk on'; he should move off with you. If he doesn't try again with a little pull on the rope.

Never enter a tug-of-war with a horse, with half a ton of weight and four legs on one end of the rope it's a safe bet who is going to win. Also, never wrap the rope around your hand - it is a good way to get a broken finger or wrist should the horse pull away quickly.

If you're leading a horse with an ordinary bridle fitted slip the reins over his head and then hold them similarly to a lead rope as described above. You might want to hold them a bit closer for more control in which case watch your feet don't get stepped upon as you walk.

Pam is shown here leading Marmalade who has a running martingale fitted. The wearing of a hat and body protector is a worthwhile precaution when handling any horse.

In this case you can't bring the reins over the horse's head as the martingale prevents it. So he is being lead with one hand holding the reins just below the jaw. Again watch your feet.

Notice that the stirrups are not dangling down but are 'run up'. This stops them banging on the horses sides as he walks, which he might interpret as the aid to move on faster and also prevents them from catching on the door as you lead into and out of the stable.

Next - adjusting the stirrups on the ground.