how to use the Training Halter
The Training Halter is very easy to use as pressure is automatically applied whenever you pull on the lead rope. Use it carefully - its a powerful training aid. (And never jerk the lead rope to punish the horse.)
The first timeTo tell the horse about the halter, first put it on and then ask him to answer the lead rope's pull. When he responds immediately release the pressure. Pause for several seconds to give him time to absorb what he has just learnt.
The trick is to only apply pressure when he resists and immediately he begins to co-operate release this pressure. When leading a horse this happens automatically as the horse puts pressure on himself by resisting the lead rope while the release of pressure happens when he comes too.
Horses aren't stupid. Most horses with leading vices will realize the game is up within a few minutes of being lead in the Training Halter. Continue to use the halter until you are sure they have given up the vice. Or, if you wish, use it all the time. (Using our unique safety feature, the Breakaway Tie, lets you use the Natural Horse Training Halter to tether your horse knowing that he can get free in an emergency).
How do I cure a horse of pulling?
Lead the horse as normal. When he pulls you should keep a firm grip on
the lead rope and stand firm. This applies pressure through the head collar
and enables you to take back control. Release the pressure and pause for
several seconds, to let the lesson sink in, before resuming. Repeat if
necessary.
How do I load a reluctant horse?
At first try loading when there is no intention to transport the horse
and there is no time pressure upon yourself. Having got the horse used
to the Training Halter, and ensured that there is no good reason for him
to dislike the horse box, lead him to it. If he is a young horse not familliar
with being loaded then introduce him slowly, as normal.
If the horse is familliar with the horse box but has recently developed a dislike of being loaded then use the Training Halter with patience and you should cure the problem without any great traumas.
Pull on the Halter to encourage him to approach the ramp and to discourage him from backing out. Repeatedly bring him forward and then back him off, trying to get him come up the ramp a little further each time. With a little pressure and lots of patience the horse will be persuaded to overcome his fears.
A difficult horse may require several lessons, while a horse that is just playing up may choose to load immediately rather than resist the halter. In some cases it may be useful to practice the Seven Games as the seventh game teaches horses to go into places where they feel uncomfortable.
How do I cure a horse of halter breaking?
Method 1 The first thing is to stop him profiting
from this behaviour. So on a hot sunny day tie him up in the shade, with
hay and water. Clip the tie rope to the Training Halter's Breakaway Tie.
When the horse breaks the Tie let him wander around the yard only to discover
the best place is where you'd left him. Put on a new Tie and start again.
Each time the horse breaks the Tie he puts pressure upon his poll. This is uncomfortable and - as he soon learns - unprofitable. Most horses will be cured after a few repetitions.
Method 2 Using a very stong head collar and rope the horse is secured with a quick release knot. When the horse pulls he discovers that neither will break. At this point he may panic and even experienced horse trainers can find that they are unable to save the horse from injuring himself. Which is why this method can be dangerous and is not recommended.
However it has been used successfully on a very quiet horse. Once tethered this particular horse would back up until the tie rope was fully extended and then sit down, breaking either the tie rope or the halter. Our customer had tried Method 1 to no avail. So she used our Training Halter and Lead rope to tether the horse (which was a large Warmblood). The horse tried its usual trick but very soon stood up again. The cure seems to have been completely effective.
How do I cure a horse of rearing?
A rearing horse can be dangerous so it may be best to use the Training
Halter in conjuction with a 12' long training rope
as the extra length of rope enables you to maintain control while keeping
a safe distance. When the horse has reared to its full height pull firmly
on the lead rope. The horse will associate rearing with pressure on the
poll. The pressure inhibits such behaviour. Repeat if necessary.
Flighty horses
If the horse is young or particularly excitable it may be advisable to
use the Training Halter in conjunction with an extra long lead rope. We
stock a 12' long training rope which gives the
horse more space and allows you to keep control while retaining a safe
distance.
the secrets......Wizards.....put it ons.....lead rope
