Benefits of rope halters?

[Hhequestrian]

I have a thoroughbred mare who can get a bit strong and pushy when being led. She does not do it all the time but I tend to struggle when she does as she will put her head in the air and pull, and she often gets her own way as she is 16.2 and I am only 5'1".

I have heard that rope halters can help with strong horses and I was wondering if anyone has any experience with them? What are the advantages and disadvantages of them?

 

[milliepops]

Do you mean the ones like be nice halters? Or more like a dually?
I used to have a knock-off be nice for my cob, who can be quite strong in hand. Because the rope is thin, it concentrates pressure on the sensitive parts of the head. It did give me more control, but it was a faff because you shouldn't use them to tie up so I was forever changing headcollars.
I've got a lemieux control headcollar with a chain on the nose now. Wish I'd bought one sooner! It's perfect. The chain slips freely around the nose according to the horses response. Gives me the control when needed but it's just a normal headcollar with normal rings underneath so you can tie up etc as usual.

 

[Shay]

I'm afraid my experiences with rope halters have been negative and I would not recommend them for this purpose. The point of them is that the knots dig into the horse's face when pressure is applied, forcing compliance. They can be difficult to use and don't release the pressure fast enough for me to be happy with them. We do use the ultra soft ones to ride in with very light lines attached. The knots do not place pressure on the face - you don't take up a contact that way - but act as an additional indication of where the hands are. Its great for over keen horses to learn new ridden tricks and for the rider to develop leg and seat aids. You literally cannot pull!

I'm also - I'm afraid - not a fan of things like the commanche or "be nice" halters for the same reason. The pressure doesn't release fast enough. I do like the Dually headcolllar though. The pressure only comes into play when the horse resists and releases immediately they stop. I've found it a great tool for horses who like to use their strength against humans and also good for the over sensitive ones who are convinced you are going to hurt them. If you can afford a dually - that would be my recommendation!

Edited to add: You can tie up with a dually by using the under chin ring. Never tie to a control ring!

 

[FfionWinnie]

It's the training that is important not the halter per say. Properly trained, they shouldn't need any pressure exerted on them to comply anyway. Watch some Richard Maxwell vids and read his books.

 

[JillA]

I use the American rope halters on all of mine. Yes they are designed to apply specific targeted pressure to certain areas but you need to train in their use, and be instantaneous with your release of pressure. Mine will push through the normal wide headcollars now because there is no reason why they shouldn't.
You also need to teach her how to not invade your space. I do it by first of all deciding on the boundary - if neither of you know how can she respect it. For me it is as far as I can reach with outstretched arms. Then, with the loose end of the rope between your hands, walk away and expect her to follow. If she gets too close, turn and face her, making a barrier of the rope between your outstretched hands. Too close? Back her up to where she should be. Repeat and repeat until she has got it, and now and again if she is getting too close, just refresh the training.
Takes mine about three repetitions on average, and they relax because you have taken over the job of leader.

 

[milliepops]

Mine will push through the normal wide headcollars now because there is no reason why they shouldn't.

^same. Mine is a total doll 99% of the time but if she decides she's got to go, she'll go. Last time I lost control she spooked at the wind in the hedge and galloped off into my other horse's field. they both went off in a hooley resulting in another long term injury, surgery, the works. Yet to hear when/if that horse will return to work I'd rather never take that chance again, so its control halters all the way, though obviously we continue with the politeness training :lol:

 

[Kezzabell2]

my horse started rearing when I used a rope halter!

but unless the horse understands pressure and release I would say that there is no point in trying it! my friends pony can be a right rude pig and he will still gallop off around the field with his on because he's never been taught press and release

 

[JillA]

Part of the knack of using a rope halter is to have at least a 12ft line instead of the 6ft normally supplied. That way you have a second or so to brace and turn their head round to face you before you run out of rope. For real head cases I use a 22ft line, which results in them lunging themselves if they take off lol

 

[Dry Rot]

Benefits of rope halters?

Once you learn, they are cheap and easy to make.

Rope halters can be scrunched up and put into your pocket.

One size doesn't exactly fit all, but they are a lot more flexible that 'normal' head collars. It drives me to distraction trying to find the right conventional halter to fit my lot (all same breed but all different ages). I always end up the other end of the farm before I find the bl**dy head collar won't fit! That doesn't happen with rope head collars. Two sizes covers all ages.

Rope halters are very easy to put on a horse, even a head shy one, once you've learnt the knack of just dropping them over the neck.

Rope halters are as severe or as gentle as you need them to be -- BUT do learn how to use them properly!

A rearing horse is a horse exhibiting escape behaviour. Teach them how to respond and they are easy to lead because they don't believe they CAN escape!

There must be a down side to rope halters but I really can't think of one. Oh yes! They don't break, so never tie up in one.