[Susan P]

I'd like to ask who uses which and why?

[Susan P]

I'd like to ask who uses which and why?

[Seahorsefarmtobe]

i don't understand your question. do you mean stud chains on lead ropes? a loop-around rope halter vs one with buckles? http://chronicleforums.com/images/cu...ilies/sigh.gif

[Susan P]

I mean, I'd like to know who uses the chains across the nose, a shank and who doesn't like them and who uses rope halters as a training tool and to work with the horse or handle them all the time.

I want to know who finds which more effective and if they have a humane issue with either.

I just want to get opinions.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by seahorsefarms:
i don't understand your question. do you mean stud chains on lead ropes? a loop-around rope halter vs one with buckles? http://chronicleforums.com/images/cu...ilies/sigh.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[lauriep]

Chain shanks.

[RoyalTRider]

I'm going to read the subject literally and assume it's refering to halters made of rope and stud chains that go over the nose to help control the horse.

I have used a stud chain in past. They should not be used by anyone afraid of the horse they are handling. They also irritate some horses, and if the horse acts significantly worse with the chain, it shouldn't be used to reprimand the horse further. A stud chain can be used on, for example, a horse that likes to try to bolt when being lead; my own horse was difficult to handle. The chain pulls across the horse's nose/ chin and basically forces it to stop.

[Jenn Hazen]

I assume you mean a rope halter that western folk use - excellent for teaching a youngster how to lead as it applies pressure to the poll more than a normal 'english' halter. We use the ones with the lead attached and it's long enough to swing around the end and use tap against the barrel to teach leading.

I transition to a regular halter after they learn to lead and tie (straight tie with a slip knot, not cross tying at first). I used to use a chain over or under the nose alot more than I do now but I do use them if needed.

Edited to add that I wont hesitate to use a chain if necessary, it's not in-humane.

[Pocket Pony]

I use a rope halter with Miles and when we're doing groundwork and going for walks. If I'm just moving him between pastures, I just use my leather halter.

He seems to respect the rope halter more and I have to be less forceful with it than I would with my leather halter and chain.

[MsRidiculous]

I got a rope halter for my mare because it has a little more "bite" than a regular halter, but its not as harsh as having a chain over her nose (which would not have done anything productive for this horse anyway.. she goes BACKWARD when something scares her, not forward, and I think the chain under her chin would just freak her out- she's sensitive).

I don't think its harsh, its just a matter of the thinner rope being on less surface area than a regular halter.

[RoyalTRider]

As for the humane issue: no. Here is an article that would beg to differ: http://www.cwtraining.com/html/RidingJuly2003.htm

However, I don't have a problem with using it. I believe there is a line. While some say it is "never, ever" the horse's fault, horses are still powerful creatures. Truth be known, I would rather lead a bolting horse with a chain over his nose than run after if gently cooing, "What did I do wrong, baby? Please stop" (which I know the article is not suggesting). As a matter of fact, contrary to the opinion in that article, I know longer use the chain on my horse and he is fine.

I would take it a step further and beg it is inconsiderate to not use it in SOME cases. Let us say that you show up with your horse at a show for the first time and had no idea he was going to act bad in hand, so you put the chain over his nose so when he tries to bolt, he cannot get away. I do not believe there is anything wrong with that and indeed without the enforcement it could become a dangerous situation.

The keys to any discplinary measure is that it is consistent, immediate, and done with a cool and learned mind.

[RugBug]

I honestly don't think a rope halter is that much more humane than a chain. IMHO, there's a reason that horses respect it more...it distributes the pressure over a significantly smaller surface area than a normal halter, thus increasing the discomfort to the horse if he misbehaves.

I personally use a stud chain ocassionally. It always goes with me to shows and is on hand if ever needed at home. I only put it on when necessary. I ALWAYS longe my horse with a chain under his nose. It's the only thing he respects when he gets into a crazy bucking fit. Maybe my horse would do fine in a rope halter, but we're doing pretty good as it is, so until necessary, I won't be changing anything.

[Seahorsefarmtobe]

I was taught to put the chain OVER the nose...as opposed to UNDER. Which is correct? I would think having it under would make the horse rear to get away from the pressure? Please clue me in! I am having issues with Scotty trying to drag me around while we graze...chain over the nose gets his attention - just it's presence.

[lauriep]

Another place to ALWAYS have a chain shank available is when shipping. If you ever have to unload in an emergency, like on the side of a highway, you had better have the control needed for a frightened horse in a scary location.

[Ghazzu]

Leather halter with nose chain PRN.
Hate the rope halters; they're a PIA to put on.
(My leather halters have a snap at the throatlatch.)

(Truthfully, the majority of the time, I use a leather grooming slip and a cotton lead.)

[winter]

Rope halters are great for pushy horses, ground work and youngsters. My mare is a very sensitive TB though and a rope halter is sometimes too harsh for her, she definitely respects it.
Good thing about rope halters is that the horse cannot get away. There are no buckles or metal parts to break.

[RugBug]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by seahorsefarms:
I was taught to put the chain OVER the nose...as opposed to UNDER. Which is correct? I would think having it under would make the horse rear to get away from the pressure? Please clue me in! I am having issues with Scotty trying to drag me around while we graze...chain over the nose gets his attention - just it's presence. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Over the nose for leading, working around, etc.
Under the nose for longeing

and winter: that's also a bad thing about rope halters...they don't break. I hate to see horses tied with them on...especially the ones with the lead line knotted to it. What happens if Mr. I-don't-fell-like-being-tied-right-now freaks out and pulls back? Yick...

[katarine]

Your horse, properly trained, will not have 'I don't wanna moments'

I use nothing but rope halters, and almost never have to take the slack out of the leadline. My horses just go where I direct them. Now I wonder why that is?

[Sandbarhorse]

Like any other device used to control a horse, the severity of either is dependent upon the hands controlling it. We've all heard about the snaffle bit being cruel int he wrong hands.

I've seen western horses who stand in a rope halter with their lead rope touching the ground. They yield to the pressure, but need a break from that pressure when behaving. The biggest problem that I see with stud chains is that it's hard to completely release the chain pressure when it's not needed.

[Seahorsefarmtobe]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by katarine:
Your horse, properly trained, will not have 'I don't wanna moments' <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oh come on! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_c...n_rolleyes.gif They all have their moments! Except, apparently, your exquisitely trained equids.

[Sandbarhorse]

RugBug, a horse who is properly trained to give to pressure will not have those moments. It's an instant reaction to the pressure.

As for the perdicaments that horses get into in EVERY situation, I was told to carry a pocket knife.