When I ride at home and train in our reservation I can ride my young arab
with a halter. When I went to my first endurance ride, my arab turned
into a MANIAC. He was overstimulated to the point I needed something to
get his attention in the fracas. I had to put his bit back in his mouth
to gain control again.
I have since begun using a Vosal and we love it. I put a fleece wrap on
the nose piece and adjusted the chin "V" to a fairly mild leverage
position and this has worked great. Our second ride, he was much more
relaxed anyway, but the Vosal allowed his mouth to be free to eat and
drink.
We will do our third ride this weekend and I will put the halter on him
after the first 2 vet checks if he is settled enough. I want him in the
mildest headgear necessary to achieve effective communication. That's
really what head gear is for...not to muscle a horse into submission.
With arabs, I know that's not likely anyhoo:)
Happy Tails
Susan & Sabian -Looking forward to our first 50!!!