Help! Eskadron control headcollar any good.

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Mosh

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Any experiences? My 24 year old mare has decided that turning out and bringing in are very exciting times and has started to charge off and if she really boils over she will rear. She reared at least 4 times bringing in and once going out today. When I got her I was warned she had a nasty rear but she did it with me once 3 years ago and never since.
She is currently handled in a bridle when not on the yard and she will also rear with a dually.
I'm pretty sure that it's now a lack of manners as I am probably a bit complacent as she has been so good for so long however I will get all necessary checks done to be on the safe side whilst we go on a crash course for manners. She had colic in November but all basic checks afterwards were fine from the vet. I will not hesitate to call the vet if I need too and is she due a cushings test next month.
I've said to the yard that no one is too handle her untill we've figure out what's going on so I can be consistent.
I've cut her feed back too but as she is only on speedibeet with joint supplement, salt and linseed I've already scaled it back quote a bit.
The bridle she wears is a french link and she is ridden in a loose ring snaffle. She does not rear when ridden either.
So any experiences of the eskadron? Is it worth it?
 
Mine does this after he has moved yards. He needed his boundaries re-establishing so booked a trainer to come and spend a couple of hours with him (happy to admit I'm not experienced enough to handle it properly myself but wanted it resolved quickly and effectively).

He was back to being his polite self the next day. Has anything changed for your mare?
 
The only thing that springs to mind is that she comes in at night now when previously she lived out all year round. I think it's eager to be out and eager to come in. Basically she doesn't want to be out or in haha.
I've owned her for 3 years and been on this yard for 2.
I'm happy to get someone out to help. I'm experienced but I also want it sorted out quickly. It's no fun
 
I don't think you can expect the headcoller alone to fix the issue. I suspect that no headcoller can stop a horse that really wants to go, and already knows escape is possible.

I think you need to do some groundwork, get the rules back in place, if she rushes, circle etc. My trainer worked on the normal personal space, moving feet exercises.

Does she always come in to food in the stable? Can you put her in with nothing for the first half an hour.

I'm comfortable leading mine in a headcoller but I have a dually if I'm worried might need to remind him of the rules.

Good luck and hat and BP to keep safe while you get it resolved.
 
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I have the lemieux version for my sec D who could be prone to bolshy moments including rearing ... I lead my 2 horses out and back from the field together, and part of the journey is on the road so I need to know I have the upper hand all the time . I haven't needed the chain for months and months now but I think she knows it's there. I can just touch it with my fingers if she needs a quick reminder to wind her neck in.

I prefer this to a chifney as others on the yard handle mine occasionally and I just think it's less risky. But make sure you don't allow her to get free, if she trod on the rope connected to the chain I think there's a high risk of injury as the webbing won't break easily.

Def worth reinstating the training but this can be a good tool to help with the maintenance
 
Thank you both.
I circle away already but she will still rear given half a chance. I think she has had the upper hand a long time ago and she hasn't forgotten. The rules are definetly being reinstated. I'm aware horses have off days but rearing isn't acceptable ever.
She comes into a haynet but I can take it out no problem.

Mine is also a welsh D and chestnut too 🙈🙈. I am thinking the headcollar may be worth while for maintenance like you said milliepops, I'd rather prevent her from getting that far and to keep a lid on it. I will hang on for dear life though.

I have never used a chifney and I'd rather not have to go there if at all possible.

Gloves and hat at the ready for tomorrow morning and I've got people on the yard at all times when I'm working with her, just in case. It's my own fault for being complacent but I thought at the age of 24 she would started to settle down. Obviously not lol
 
I use rope halters but have never used an Eskadron. I take a schooling whip if I am leading a horse which may rush.

If our horses are wound up when we go to catch them to bring in, we take a bucket and give a small feed before setting off. This calms them down and means that they behave in a mannerly way because they are not hungry. The weather has been horrible recently and I don't think we can blame any horse for wanting to get out of it and get something to eat.
 
thanks PaS. I'll try the food thing and see that goes too. There is grass in the field but there isn't much goodness at the minute so she may well be hungry.
It's never her fault, always mine for not being careful enough and being too relaxed I guess!
 
Purely, because fortunately I've never had to use one myself. I wouldn't know to fit one or use one but my very knowledgeable friend could show me.
I've seen them in use but never well and I think that's my over riding memory of them. Silly really!
 
No that's fair enough. There's a lot of stigma about them but I use one at the moment daily for several horses. All very fresh rehabbers. I really rate them. My life would be in danger without 😂
 
I use one and it's great. My horse is great 99% of the time but having had a bit of my spine removed I can't afford anything dragging me about and this just stops him boiling over on the odd occassion he would like to.
 
I just have a stallion chain threaded through the headcollar. I find
it very effective on one that knows if he puts his strength against me he can leave any time he wants!
With the chain I have plenty of control.
 
All options to consider. First of all work on manners and I'll do some research at what's about.
She has remembered she can go up and it's not much fun!
Thank you all for your help. I've been to check on her at 9pm and butter wouldn't melt haha
 
I always find that making them back up does wonders for their manners. Don't know why but it definitely works.

I've used a chifney. Was a bit nervous as I imagined horse escaping and carnage ensuing. It did the job nicely.
 
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