Be nice headcollar

[debsey1]

Has anyone had any success using these?

I have a rather rude cob, most of the time he is fine leading to & from the field but will catch you out on that odd occasion when he decides that he wants to go the other way

I just wondered if they were any good?

 

[LauraWheeler]

I used one on a young hackney pony I had years ago. It was very good and helped teach him some manners.

I tried it on Lucy and she hated it and it made her worse But then again the only thing you could control her in was a chifney

 

[Beausmate]

Successfully used one on a couple of different horses. You have to be quite subtle with them (as any other pressure/release halter) as they are quite a strong piece of kit. And NEVER tie up with one.

 

[heyemily]

My cob also decides which way he wants to walk! I took him out for a walk when he was on box rest and he pulled me across the yard. I realised I had no control and bought a dually and it has really worked for us. I can walk him from the field without him pulling me the other way now at least

 

[Woodykat]

I've used both Be nice, and Dually halters, and found both very good.

The only thing I would say about the Be nice, is that if you've undone the headpiece, for gods sake don't put it down without doing it back up again, or you'll never work out which way it goes, and if you're anything like me, end up with a huge tangled mess!

 

[AdorableAlice]

I am using a Richard Maxwell rope halter on a yearling. It does not have the knots the be nice halter has.

I found a normal soft leather headcollar didn't teach the youngster to release to pressure, she just sat back on it and looked at me.

I used the rope halter and adhered to the training info and within 2 lessons the youngster yielded to pressure and is a total joy to handle. I can lead her anywhere, she does not pull or sit back, she moves her forehand and quarters, she reins back with no pressure at all, and I can lead her alone, over 2 fields to get to her turn out paddock without any problems.

But as others have said, it is not the kit that cures the problem it is how you use it.

 

[L&M]

I prefer the Dually as feel it is more 'obvious' in its action and therefore find it easier to use effectively.

 

[Kamakazegirl]

I've used both the be nice and the dually on our very rude boy! He was marginally better in the be nice, but is so much better in the dually, even if he tries to drag me in the other direction, he sharp changes his mind. Worth every penny!

 

[amandap]

I believe the be nice has studs under the head piece that dig into the poll. I see it more like a chifney ie. control rather than training.

 

[mirage]

When knobberpony decided that she didn't want to be led,planted and reared and was generally being a pain,we used a Dually.After one session she improved no end despite her 21 years practice in messing about.Today my 6 year old caught and brought her in and my 8 year old led her back out [under my supervision] and she was good as gold. They do have to be used correctly though.Good luck.

 

[Beatrice5]

I brought a Be nice and when I saw the metal bobbles on the top was horrified and have never used it. To be fair if I had a problem horse I may be inclined to try it but mine at worst drag their heels and at their most enthusiastic I just wrap the lead rope around their nose which does the trick.

When I purchased it my mare was being a bag and I soon worked out it was due to feeding the wrong stuff and once I cut out what she no longer needed she returned to her usual self.

I wish I'd bought a Dually or a plain rope halter as they are much more versatile.

 

[eatmoremincepies]

Be Nice is overkill really, hard metal bobbles on the poll are not great. A rope halter is cheap and works well for cobs, or a Dually is excellent and more versatile.

The kit is only part of the solution, you also need the skill/timing and to check your management & feed as Beatrice said.

 

[MileAMinute]

I've got one for sale if you're interested....

 

[carthorse15]

I use a Kemp Controller. It has been the best piece of equipment I have ever bought!

 

[bex1984]

I use a Be Nice on my cob when he gets a bit big for his boots - I've used loads of pressure halters and find the Be Nice very effective. As with all pressure halters you do ahve to take the time to teach the horse to understand how it works first.

The 'metal studs' on top are blunt and almost flat really, and as I see it, once you've taken the ime to show a horse how it works, they do have the choice to behave well and then the pressure never comes into play anyway...