Re: RC: Re: "Hating" the Halter

[Mickie Newnam <akelakhan@earthlink.net>]

Kelly,
All of the horses at our barn wear collars (I've always said Arabs are
like big dogs...).  They are designed so that they are strong enough to
prevent the horse from learning that pulling back results in freedom,
but if a horse gets into serious trouble the buckle will break before
the horse.  A rope can be attatched and run over the nose to form an
impromptu halter, but they get used to leading with the collars very
quickly. The only time our horses even wear a halter is to go to a ride,
or for the vet or farrier simply as a courtesy.  A friend of mine makes
them if you'd like to try it and can't find one easily.

Mickie

Alec Joesph wrote:

>  Hi!  Just a small problem I am having with a new horse and wondering
> if any of you could offer some suggestions.
>
> I purchased a 3 yr old 3/4 arab 1/4 saddlebred gelding, 'bout 15.1H,
> about 3 months ago.  He is un-broke, however, I was told he was worked
> with heavily on the ground, ie: trimming feet, leads, brushing,
> wearing a blanket, and clips.  He came from a saddleseat/show/halter
> home so I don't believe he was exposed to much variety as he will be
> as a competitive/endurance prospect.
>
> He came to me with a halter on.  I put him in the pasture with my 8 yr
> old grade arab and all went well.  He was somewhat nervous but eager
> to make friends......I noticed his halter had rubbed some raw spots
> under the jaw, so I removed it.  First mistake!  I could not catch him
> again!  He will come to me for treats and I can pet him all over,
> poll, ears, head, back......but try to put something over his head and
> he is off.  I keep him 24/7 like the other horse with a shelter only
> in inclement weather.  My sons have caught him for me....they run
> faster!!!  They will "corner" him somewhat in the pasture and quietly
> go up his side (near) and put on the halter.  He may keep the halter
> on for a day or so, but ends up rolling and rubbing it off!!!  The
> boys catch him again, put the halter on again, and again......he rubs
> it off!!!!  Today, it was over one ear, and I tried to pull it back
> over the ear but couldn't so I loosened the near side and he was OFF!
> He was free again!  I prefer to wear no halter, as he is thin-skinned
> and rubs bare spots easily, however, I cannot do a thing with him when
> he is "free"????  Should I go back to square one????  Or, stall him
> without a halter and only put one on when he is in the pasture for the
> "free" time only?  He is not aggressive or negative.......just like a
> spoiled child!
>
> Thanks for any suggestions..............
>
> Kelly from SW PA





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