Harbridge - Yay or Neigh!

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Henry.Col

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Today I used a Harbridge for the first time, I have been having some leg position problems, and a friend suggested a harbridge so i can focus on my position. Of course henry spent the whole session i the perfect outline, but is it the devil in disguise so to speak? Not having to worry so much about him does help with my legs but I dont want to become reliant! I guess every now and again is ok?
 
I've used a harbridge... again, it's a tie-down. It gets you that perfect outline in front but it won't get you a horse that is working the correct muscles to give HIMSELF an outline by pushing his muscles from behind and up through his back. NO matter what people say, it doesn't miraculously LIFT the front end. The only thing I think gives the horse freedom to to stretch and work properly is a chambon...

However, I think if you need it in the interim, why not. Just don't expect it to work miracles :)
 
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not my cuppa tea. I just think they look so uncomfortable and restricted in it. I think it was only designed to be used for 5 minutes or so at a time. agree with tallyho's opinion. rather than use that to improve your position why not have a lunge lesson. I think there would be more value in that.

ets, i knew someone who sued it all the time, hacking schooling and the poor horse looked miserable and really tight in the neck poor thing.
 
I think you answered the question yourself 'now & again is fine'. I agree. Remember not to put him behind the vertical & it should be fine. also he can stretch down sometimes. It will allow you time to concentrate on you occasionally. Good luck with it.
 
I am pretty nervous of gadgets.. or tie downs... so I had it on really loose. Enough to remind him of contact but letting him hold himself. I warmed up and cooled down without it. We are working at elementary currently, he is far more capable than I so I think I am just cautious of ruining him!
 
This website has a good explanation of how different gadgets work (including the Harbridge among many others, some of which I'd never heard of): http://www.sustainabledressage.net/tack/gadgets.php
Personally I wouldn't use it as it ties the horse's head down rather than getting him in an outline from behind. As you said, you and your horse are more than capable of doing this the correct way so maybe invest in some lessons with a good instructor to work on your position.
When I was writing for a BD list 2 judge she did comment (as an aside, NOT on the sheets) on the horses which she felt had been schooled with tie-down type gadgets and she said she felt that this detracted from their performance as the head position was there but they had lost the 'forwards'.
 
I don't agree that they "tie the head down" unless they are fitted totally incorrectly. The prevent the horse from raising the head beyond a particular height - just like a martingale. There is give in them as they have elastic inserts and the horse can put its head down (to stretch its topline) and they don't prevent the head and neck from moving laterally. But like most gadgets, people want quick results without putting in the work hence their reliance on them.
 
Henry.Col said:
I am pretty nervous of gadgets.. or tie downs... so I had it on really loose. Enough to remind him of contact but letting him hold himself. I warmed up and cooled down without it. We are working at elementary currently, he is far more capable than I so I think I am just cautious of ruining him!
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lol i was thinking you were not quite as experienced as you are. I am sure that as you are working to that level you know exactly what you are doing. I know bugger all really and no great dressager so just ignore me :D
 
fatpiggy said:
I don't agree that they "tie the head down" unless they are fitted totally incorrectly. The prevent the horse from raising the head beyond a particular height - just like a martingale. There is give in them as they have elastic inserts and the horse can put its head down (to stretch its topline) and they don't prevent the head and neck from moving laterally. But like most gadgets, people want quick results without putting in the work hence their reliance on them.
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Agree with this. Used occasionally and correctly they can be of value like any 'gadget'

(with the exception of drawreins.....)
 
chestnuttymare said:
lol i was thinking you were not quite as experienced as you are. I am sure that as you are working to that level you know exactly what you are doing. I know bugger all really and no great dressager so just ignore me :D
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I am very reluctant to say I am experienced when it comes to gadgets! I come from the school of minimalism when it comes to tack! I have been out of dressage since my fab pony retired a few years ago(the last few years have been mostly jumping and being a bit of a cow boy!). And suddenly I have a very big shiny expensive new toy which I dont want to break! I am currently looking for an instructor for when I move back to Uni!

xxx
 
I have just started using one but only for around 15 mins before I take it off and find my horse is then lovely and soft and more forward! I wouldn't hack or jump in it though!
 
Ali27 said:
I have just started using one but only for around 15 mins before I take it off and find my horse is then lovely and soft and more forward! I wouldn't hack or jump in it though!
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I have heard of people jumping in them... and i must say i was pretty shocked!

The more I hear the less I am tempted to purchase one for myself... I think I will stick to my guns and stay gadget free!
 
Jump??? In a harbridge????

ffs, what is wrong with people? Get a horse that can do the job, plenty out there...
 
Henry.Col said:
I am very reluctant to say I am experienced when it comes to gadgets! I come from the school of minimalism when it comes to tack! I have been out of dressage since my fab pony retired a few years ago(the last few years have been mostly jumping and being a bit of a cow boy!). And suddenly I have a very big shiny expensive new toy which I dont want to break! I am currently looking for an instructor for when I move back to Uni!

xxx
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I am minimalist too, i don't use a martingale and have a cavesson noseband, i only looked into the harbridge when that woman and her kid rode all the time using them. The poor horse and pony looked so miserable and restricted, they had them on really tight too. I would be afraid to use gadgets in case i got it wrong and did some damage. Stressage has never been my thing tho :p good luck with your new horse.
 
I wouldnt dream of jumping in one... accident waiting to happen I say!

After doing some serious reading up on the subject... i think i will steer clear! I am lacking a regular instructor at the moment so I think i am just loosing faith a little haha! Henry is sooo capable and we just need to learn together!!
 
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