Who Is the boss you or your horse?

The rider is the teacher ,your horse is the student! The right answer is always plainer to you then to your horse. What do you let him get away with? Does he stop to eat grass while you are leading him or when you are riding him? Does he set the pace when you are riding him ? I had a horse once that would lag behind all the other horses on a trail ride then trot to catch up .Believe me that got old fast on an all day trail ride . my rear end wasn't the same for days! Who was the boss? Control is a big issue and it goes hand and hand with safety for you and your horse!
When you are leading or riding him does he determined the speed? Evaluate your actions ,are you in command or is he? For instant, when grooming your horse does he move into your space so that you move out of his way? Then he is the boss ! Allowing him to do this sends him a signal he is in charge . I push my thumb into his hip or side holding it firm until he gives to the pressure . he will learn fast that every time he crowds you in your space, you will push your thumb into his side and will soon stop the crowding. If he insists on setting his own speed when your leading or riding him STOP and make him stand. Each time he sets his own pace stop him again until he gets the message . You are the boss! The more consistent you are the more consistent your horses performance will be... Be patient and consistent.Its like teaching a small child No, No don't touch that dish ,you tell the child no no several times then let down on the No's and let the child grab the dish . The child then learns ,I'll hear several No No,s and then I can grab the dish. Horses react the same way don't let him eat grass on two trail rides and then on the third trail ride decide for just this once I'll let him eat grass while riding . That send him a message just like the child that grabbed the glass bowl. He will always try to eat grass while riding because maybe this is the time it will be OK. Make your signals clear and work on maintaining control for the safety of you and your horse!