In fact, rope halters can become instruments of torture if used incorrectly.
Rope halters are designed from one long piece of rope or nylon without buckles or clips - so that they don't break. The knots that create the shape of the halter are said to also affect specific pressure points on the horse's head - across the nose and on the cheeks. The halter would have to be tied on extremely tightly and in exactly the right place for the correct pressure to be on these points. The knots do cause soreness and bruising when the halter is pulled or jerked (either by the horse or the handler) and when the halter is left on for any length of time.
The thinner the rope is, the less force is required to create more pressure. Take a thin piece of string and use it to apply pressure across your nose and your cheeks. Then do the same with a wide piece of cloth or leather (like a rein or a belt). You will feel the difference in pressure immediately.
Rope halters much be placed correctly on the horse's head or they will cause more harm than good. If the halter is too loose making the nose band sit too low, there's the potential for breaking the horse's nasal bone. If it is tied too tightly, then the horse feels pressure all the time. With no release from the pressure, the horse cannot learn to give.
Horses should never be tied using a rope halter. If the horse pulls back and panics, the horse will break before the halter does! The halter puts strong pressure on the sensitive poll and can cause permanent nerve damage. It is even possible for a horse to break his poll fighting to get free. With two fingers apply some pressure at the point where the base of your skull attaches to the top of your spine. This is your 'poll'. You'll feel how sensitive that area is. It is far better for a horse to break a halter than to damage or break his poll. Horses should only be tied with a leather or web halter with a break away crown.
If you have a horse that pulls back when tied, it is best to train him to accept pressure and learn to release it by moving forward. Do this with him in-hand rather than tied. (I explain how to do this in my article "Fit to be Tied" in Horse Canada Magazine Jul/Aug 2012.)
Trends happen in the horse world. But, the latest trend isn't always best for your horse - even if it's recommended by your trainer or a clinician. Before using a new piece of equipment, do your research, understand how it works and whether or not you have the skills to use it correctly. Then, make your own decision about whether it's appropriate for you and your horse. It's up to you to put your horse in good hands.
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Anne Gage Confident Horsemanship
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I use head collars I don’t like the rope halters because they have the pressure points on them. I don’t see any need for quick release halter as I always thought if a horse was tied it should be tied to a bit of thin rope rather than the tie ring itself so if the horse was ever to pull so hard that it would hurt itself the rope would snap instead. With regards to getting the horses head up and away from the grass I use voice command and they normally get the idea and I don’t have any trouble. Very interesting post.
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I prefer a leather halter over a rope one, but I don't need to spend that much on one and don't need any special effects. I use just a plain leather halter that I have used for three horses over almost 20 years.
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Hampton has a rope halter, which is what I bring him in from the field with. I use his nice leather halter to haul in and he will wear that at shows or lessons off the farm. I do like rope halters for young horses, as you can easily put the bridle over the halter. Hampton has not required a stud chain since he was 2, but I prefer a stud chain for "control" over a rope halter every time. They each have their time and place. Good post!
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I work with rope halters because they are very comfortable and light when the horse responds correctly but more effective when he leans into them. But as you put it - it can be fatal if you hold on tight the whole time as the horse cannot get rid of the pressure. I really like the way you addressed the topic: just plain facts and information, so everybody can decide for himself what he wants.
ReplyDeleteTrue that Rope halters are designed from one long piece of rope or nylon without buckles or clips - so that they don't break. I also use to have Nylon Halters for my horses.
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