Apologies but silly question re In Hand road work

I had to lead for 3 months straight as she was recovering from an injury. Always wear hi-vis and a hat and always lead in a bridle. Also take a short whip with you! I never used a long line, just her reins. I had to take turns on leading from both sides as she was very one sided and my pysio instructed me to do this, but usually you would put yourself between the Horse and the traffic.

And yes I know, I am not wearing a hat in one of them, I was wearing my hatband and mistaked it for a hat :o my friend didn't think to tell me I didn't have one on!


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When leading my mare down the road, I put the full bridle on, then looped the reins over her back/neck.

Clip lead rope onto bit ring furthest away from you, then feed it through bit ring nearest to you.

Reins can be used in case of emergency
 
Hi All - happy to report ALL went well, actually it was very enjoyable:)

Met a good few cars & she wasn't bothered. Only think she had a bit of a spook at was a sort of combine harvester but once I let her look at it she walked straight past it... Ended up down a lane leading to a dead end where she had a good munch at a big patch of grass... actually I think I will bring a picnic next time.!
 
I have been stopped by police before, as i was only leading in a headcollar, and my horse was a wee bit excited. They made me aware that I could be liable for cost of any damages or accidents that happen if I was not covered by my insurance, and led me to believe it may even be illegal to take a horse out with out being bitted..

when im working my welshies in hand on the road i use a bridle, a roller, and side reing attached loosley to the bit, ( gives plenty of control, and works the topline if used properly ) then either a long lead rope attached to the noseband if they are quiet, or a small chain / rope under the chin through the bit if they are colts stallions or just very excitable and spooky.

i take the horse on the left hand side of the road ( like you would when you hack out ), and lead from the right hand side of the horse. i always carry a schooling whip as it helps just to nudge the hindquarters over if they drift into the road.

hope this helps :)

x
 
It isn't illegal to have a horse on the road without a bit in it's mouth. Personally, I'm insured to ride on the road without a bit, but not all policies cover that.
I'm surprised you encountered a policeman that would recognise any significance of a horse being led without a bit, must have hit on one who knew something about horses.
 
Tinypony said:
It isn't illegal to have a horse on the road without a bit in it's mouth. Personally, I'm insured to ride on the road without a bit, but not all policies cover that.
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No it's not, you're right.

However, who would be stupid enough to take a horse out on the roads in anything other than a bridle (bitted or otherwise????).
 
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I was always taught to use a roller or a saddle when long reining out on the roads ( always quiet country roads i may add )... so whats the difference in leading the horse with a roller on? should i not be doing this?

x
 
i suppose there is the argument " what happens if the horse gets away from you" but then again thats the same with any lead rope, reins etc attached to the bit, your always going to run that risk. would be good if someone invented a lead rope that safley snapped off if the horse trod on it, or got caught etc... or is there one of these? id be interested in buying one :)
 
sarah&max said:
I was always taught to use a roller or a saddle when long reining out on the roads ( always quiet country roads i may add )... so whats the difference in leading the horse with a roller on? should i not be doing this?

x
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I've never used a roller when leading out in hand.
 
amymay said:
No it's not, you're right.

However, who would be stupid enough to take a horse out on the roads in anything other than a bridle (bitted or otherwise????).
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Define bridle. Is it something that you put on a horse's head to ride in? Is this a bridle?
(As before, please be kind with aged rider being brave enough to post a photo!!)
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It's a western bosal with mecate rein, which makes it a hackamore. A pretty severe piece of equipment in the wrong hands. You shouldn't even lead off it by putting pressure forward on the rope. If used correctly it might be introduced to a horse that is already a "bridle horse", although depending on the method you favour some also use it before introducing a bit. I sincerely doubt that the bits that most ride in would give any more control than this.
But... just to stir the pot a bit... all of my horses are trained to be safe and controllable when ridden in rope halters. Once that's done I tend to select the tool that seems to suit each one best individually. The horse in the photo seems to really take to the bosal.
 
Ah interesting - thanks for the info on it.

I think by usual definitions we would expect a bridle to be a head 'stall' that is used to hold the bit in the mouth. Or if no bit, then a controller noseband.

But I agree that the definition is not exclusive.

But bottom line is, I suppose, whatever type of 'bridle' you use - it's going to be better than a headcollar.
 
I suppose we are influenced by our experience and training. The people who I know that deal with problem horses and horse starting tend to start (or re-start) them in a rope halter because they can effectively bend the horse and "get to the feet" if needed. They wouldn't be at any more of a disadvantage riding in a rope halter than in a bit, and I suppose if push came to shove, it might be preferable to put emergency pressure on the head rather than the mouth.
I'm glad you had a nice outing Op! :-)
 
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