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  Discussion on How long is the use of a chain necessary?
Author Message
Member:
Leec

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 - 5:34 pm:

Hi All,
Last week my yearling filly started charging ahead of me while being led. As soon as she would hit the end of the lead rope, she would spin around and rear at me. I felt she was clearly testing my position as 'the leader'. Anyway, I went back to the basics of halter breaking and leading, but with a chain over her nose. As well, we are doing some round pen work. Awesome results in just a couple of sessions. Listens for 'whoa' and yields to resistance instead of pulling or rearing. My question is... How long should I continue to lead her with the chain once it appears she is 'cured'? I’m sure it’s different for each horse, but I’d love to hear what some of you 'found out' in the same or a similar situation. She is a smart one, and I don’t doubt that she has figured out the additional hardware is the cause of the discomfort...
Lee C
Member:
Dsibley

Posted on Thursday, Mar 23, 2006 - 7:10 am:

My yearling colts still test me periodically, but they are doing better and better. I still use the chain every once in a while. I give them an opportunity to be 'good', then sort of use it like "time out" for a child. I don't even have to reprimand them with it...they know what's going on. When that chain goes on, they're very contrite, willing to behave, and are then rewarded with removing it. Don't know if I'm doing the right thing, but it seems to work for 'Beavis and Butthead'.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Mar 23, 2006 - 9:22 am:

You are right any advice someone else gives will not apply to your horse you have to make decisions based on your judgement of the situation.

As always you are trying to make the corrections smaller and smaller as the horse better understands what is being asked. If you feel the horse understands what is expected without a chain you can remove it now. There will probably be times when you absolutely don't need it (the horse knows the routine) and others where it is required for control (new environments where the horse is confused and distracted). And don't forget to reward good behavior, it is the key to long lasting enjoyable relationships with horses.
DrO
Member:
Dres

Posted on Thursday, Mar 23, 2006 - 10:14 am:

I keep a chain on my young horses always.. don't use it, most often don't need it.. but its there IF the time comes up and need it.. If its not on at that time the lesson is lost.. .. That just works for me...

On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots...
Member:
Leec

Posted on Thursday, Mar 23, 2006 - 12:21 pm:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You've all given me something to think about - isn't this site great! LOVE the names of your colts, Diane! Given what you've all said, I think I will keep it on her for at least a little while longer, as she is going through a '...and what are you gonna do about it?' phase. But as you say, Ann - it can always be there, it doesn't mean you have to use it... Yes, DrO, lots of pats and rubs and verbal praise, '...good girl, you're so smart, what a smart, pretty, good girl, Sienna's a very good girl...', all in that tone of voice reserved for very special behavior. The neighbours must think I'm nuts...
Lee C
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