Following on from Lack of Manners post.. advice Chiffneys pls

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pinkcatkin

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Have really been put off using Chiffneys - heard story of local professional producer using a chiffney on a stroppy mare, mare got away from whoever leading, trod on lead rope and cut her tongue off. The horse did survive but this sounds awful

Do you need to be "taught" how to use a chiffney? I want to use one on my mare who has always been strong in hand and as she has not been out of the field for a few months I want to feel in control when on the lanes. Would also like to get her out and about so that I maybe could show her foalie when later in the year.

Any tips would be much appreciated.
 
We always use a soft 'through' rope on chiffneys and be nice headcollars.

Essentially it is a soft rope, with no clip or knot at any end that allows the rope to slip harmlessley to the ground should the horse get away from you.
 
I've always been taught just to be very aware that it's fairly easy to break a horse's jaw with a chifney - and never, ever to jab them in the gob with it. I like AmyMay's idea of not actually attaching a rope though.
I have a friend who advocates the use of the Mikmar nose controller headcollar thingie - basically a metal ring that goes around the horse's nose. I can't decide which is worse, personally...
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I use a chiffney on the coloured in my signature to lead her everywhere! shes not a rearer but sadly if she decides she is going somewhere she is going and if you didnt had a chiffney on you would be left behind. She was broken in using the monty roberts methods and worked using them for over 2 years with a MR instructor so I know we did everything right as a baby. Shes just very confident and the last time I tried to lead her out in her dually she dragged me straight through a hedgerow because I wasnt going fast enough for her to get into the field through the gate!!!! I keep her on a professional eventers yard tho so I did have help with handling her in it to make sure I wasnt doing anything wrong.

I think every horse is different but I know deep down if I didnt use the chiffney on my horse she would be a danger to her handler or herself without it on
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Have you tried a dually or a be nice first? In the same way as I wouldn't jump straight from a mild bit to a really strong one I'd try levels of control and see what works for you. Daisy has a neck like a rhino but we manage fine with a dually
 
you need to know what you are doing as it can be severe and dangerous in non experienced hands but i do prefer the monty roberts control halter
 
Thankfully I've never seen any injuries from chifneys but there are always rumours flying around aren't there?
I use them on a regular basis at work and have done for many yrs. Yes, I was 'taught' in the first place, but that was a long time ago.
You often find that just having the chiffney on is enough to gain respect, a lot of horses seem to know what it's about and instantly behave without any pressure.
If you do try one, it's important not to yank on it, often just rattling it about loosely will keep the horses mind occupied, and very few will actually pull against it. So you can keep a loose rein and shake the bit if the mare plays up.
You can also try a handling bit, similar to a chiffney but without the curved part. They are often used with TB yearlings and I get the impression they are not as severe, although don't quote me on that!
All that said, a controller halter may be just as suitable, and if you're not comfortable with a chiffney, don't use one
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I have actually taken the plunge and ordered a Dually training headcollar as I have read quite a lot of good feedback about them. I will report!

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Beware of horse going up in it......
 
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