In stable management there are several golden rules to learn, some of which come under this heading. First of all, whenever a horse is lead out of his stable the handler should ensure that the headcollar and lead rope are adequate, i.e. they must fit the horse, be sound and correctly fastened to allow the handler as much control as possible. Never take a young, fresh or strange horse out wearing anything less than a bridle (without passing the reins over the horse's head) or a strong headcollar with a lunge line attached. A short lead rope does not allow for any misbehavior and the horse can soon get away. Once he learns that he can do this there is always a danger that he will try it again. Never lead a horse with a chain and on no account wrap a lead rope or rein around your hand. The slightest pull by the horse could injure your wrist or worse. Gloves should be worn to protect the hands from rope burns.

Any attachment which is used to lead the horse, e.g. rein, rope and clip, should be sound and strong. Ropes that have been chewed or rusty clips are not good enough. Particular care should be taken when leading in and out of stables and through gateways. Always be sure that the horse is straight and is not in danger of catching his hip if he has to turn. The door, gate or slip rails should be opened fully and no short cuts taken. If necessary, fasten them back so that they do not swing back as the horse is passing through. A young horse can be easily startled by a door or gate blown back by the wind just after he has walked through, and there is a danger here that he will attempt to rush as a result of this one bad experience. If there are horses being led in front or behind you ensure that there is at least a horse's length between the animals.

The horse should be led from his near side, i.e. with him on your right. Your right hand should hold the lead rein near to the headcollar (depending on the amount of control needed) with the rest of the rein in your left hand. At all times he should be slightly in front of you so that your shoulder is level with his. Movement at whatever pace should be purposeful and straight to encourage the horse to exhibit himself well. Having a horse that hangs back from his handler and makes no effort to move forward is both inconvenient and suggests an idle attitude on the part of the handler. A young horse should be led with an assistant walking behind him until he learns what is expected. A lazy horse should be encouraged with the help of a long enough whip, if used promptly, will soon teach him to be active. The handler should avoid looking back at the horse because this often discourages the latter from going forward.

Leading in-hand is one of the most important and basic aspects of equine management. Throughout its life the horse will be required to trot up for soundness, sale and show so it is essential that the handler knows the correct procedure. First, be sure to take the horse onto a straight, level stretch of hard surface, e.g. a driveway or quiet road which is at least 40 yards (35 m) long. He must have enough room to trot out and pull up again in a straight line and to turn away from you (never towards you) on not too sharp an arc (allowing for unsoundness especially in front limbs). Quiet surroundings encourage the horse to relax and show himself more naturally. If an unsound horse is distracted or alarmed when he is trotted up he may give a false impression. The horse should be brought from his box and asked to stand straight and square for inspection with the groom standing in front facing him. Next he should be walked away from his examiner(s) for 35-40 yards (30-35 m) or longer if required, then turned round and walked back past the person(s) watching him. He will then be expected to repeat this at the trot (unless, of course, he is too unsound to trot). The first four or five strides should be at the walk to give the horse a chance to balance himself before springing into trot calmly. Likewise, after he has turned at the far end, wait until he is straight and quiet before asking him to trot back again. Do not pull him up suddenly, hold his head too tight or turn his head towards you as this can disguise a 'nodding' head - an indication of lameness.

One final point on this subject but one which applies equally throughout stable management, is the question of the handler's footwear. Although it is often disregarded it is an important safety factor because no one can trot up a horse properly with sloppy or high-heeled shoes. There is also the danger of being trodden on by the horse.