controller headcollars, halters????

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competitiondiva

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I've previously had a 'be nice halter' for loading issues with one of my horses in the past, and was very pleased with it, they aren't cheap but am prepared to pay out for another. Unfortunately I can't seem to find any full size ones for sale at the moment!

My question is are there any other ones out there that people rate, I've heard lots of people say just a plain rope halter gives the same effect, has anyone tried both to compare?

Or does anyone recommend any others? Have seen a libby's rope controller halter and a bucas control headcollar (nose pressure), shires do one (poll pressure).

The reason i need one is I have a big baby (yearling) who is getting a bit strong and high and mighty and I just need a little help currently, he's been brill but last few days has been pushing things, so rather than bitting him early I'd rather try a controller headcollar/halter first.
 
We have both rope pressure halters and a dually. With the 'proper' rope halters, you have to make sure the knots are in the correct places on the horses head, I wouldnt buy an off the shelf one personally, look for somebody who will ask you for measurements and knot it up for you. With the rope halter I find you do have the best control, we used to have a 17.3 Cleveland Bay X who had bolting issues, but by training him pressure and release with his rope halter, I could manage him 9 out of 10 times bless him, and I'm only 5'6 and 9 stone. The rope halter has also taught our home bred baby perfect manners when leading. Whenever I feel we need a bit of extra reinforcement, I would rather use the Rope Halter than the Dually.

However, used correctly the Dually is a great piece of equipment, but it takes more skill to use than you would think. I'm not as good leading with the dually as I didn't pick up on the way to use it when we had an RA out unlike my mum, who will use the dually confidently and effectively. If you consider the dually route, it is worth learning how it works, what adds pressure etc. rather than just a tug when he is naughty. The good thing about the dually is that it converts to a normal headcollar underneath, so you only have to depend on the dually bit when necessary.

It is good that you are dealing with his problems now before they develop into something worse. Maybe it is time he learnt some pressure and release so you have more control over his body if he plays up.
 
I personally prefer the Be-Nice to the Dually, I just don't find the Dually so effective and you need to have the nose close fitting so that it doesn't slip but that makes it harder to put on (especially if he's in a grump out in the field anyway)!
 
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