Lunging (what you are attempting to do with the lead rope) is a good place to start. If you have never owned a horse before, the best advice anyone can give you is READ READ READ! Read everything you can get your hands on (just what a mom of 3 wants to hear right You will be amazed what is hamful to a horse. Next thing, get an instructional vidoe set. Theres just no way words and describtions can be as helpful as video, especially when you hit your first speed bump. Good luck!