Help sourcing a second hand Stephens Controller Headcollar/bridle???

Spyda

Spyda

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Anyone have an old Stephens controller headcollar to sell? Or know of where I could get one from?

stephens-quality-leather-controller.jpg


It looks something like this. Thanks.
 
No, not in this instance as it's for an unruly yearling. She's got an aversion to metal bits in her mouth so I am having to coax her with a nathe but she's really stroppy even with that.

I've tried eBay but only Stephens Controller on there is still £129 + postage. Gulp
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Really need to find a second hand, or borrow one perhaps.
 

Yep, tried the chain across the nose. She simply does not care about nose pressure. She ignores it totally, or if it's really irritating her, she'll rear and plunge forward. She really is being a cow at the moment. Because I am still recovering from a multiple broken ankle I am extra slow moving out of the way and very wary of getting reared on again.
 
OK, I know this isn't really going to fix the problem right now - but the bigger an issue you make of this the worse she'll get and you're not in a position physically to deal with it.

Does she have to come in? If not, chuck her out and leave her out till you're feeling better. My 3 yr old went through a phase of this when she was a yearling and we just put her away and forgot about her for a while - once they learn that they need you more they generally get a bit nicer!
 

Where she is liveried now, yes she does have to come in. We've absolutely no shelter in our paddocks and they overlook cliffs out to sea. When it's hot they have to come in; When it's cold or wet they have to come in; When it's windy they have to come in. The YO doesn't want to spoil the view with trees or shelters
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I leave her out as much as possible but do have to bring her in occasionally. I know she's just going through her bratty yearling phase but it's hard when I'm still limping and haven't been handling her since April 1st (when I broke my ankle).

My husband turned her out for me this morning. He's a novice but 18 stone so she doesn't get away with much when he's on the end of the lunge rein leading her out! However, he works 12 hour days and is getting fed up having to drop into the yard either end of work to fetch in or let out. Don't blame him really. Like I say, he's a novice and doesn't much like her playing him up either.

Part of me is considering turning her away for a couple of years at stud. She will be out with a herd of other youngsters and left to get on with it. I've never done this before though, and wonder how she'd be come two years down the line with minimal handling during that time. Decisions, decisions...
 
I'd turn her away - theres nothing to be gained from continually fighting with her and sometimes a blank canvass is best. Once she fits in with the herd they'll sort her out and not take any nonsense and she can just be a horse. Go and speak to the stud, see where she'd be and find out the routine - it might work out better than you think.
 
Have you tried the chain under the jaw? This may not work, but I have found on every difficult horse I have had to lead, that putting a dog choke chain through the side rings of the headcollar and then attaching the rings to a long line so it forms an upside down triangle worked everytime - does not irritate them like a chain over the nose - all mine have fought that and does not damage the mouth.

My 16.3 WB used to rear and throw herself everywhere. I am under 5' so it was very difficult for me with such a big horse.

Within a few weeks of always being led on the chain stopped and within a few months was a pleasure to led and the chain was just put on if the situation looked like it might be awkward - very windy etc. With the chain on she actually did even think about being awkward. She had a few hard jerks on it initially - it only works if they pull away or go up - best £2 bit of equipment I own.

As you are having problems, sending her away may be an answer or get some one in help. Whilst I have a cob who is fairly sensible, from a yearling he has been expected to behave in hand like an adult - in fact I have insisted he does everything as I would an adult, but with allowances for his age, ie don't leave him tied up for too long and expect the odd spook or leap etc.
 
They are pricey but just Excellent for bolshy horses!

You may only need to use it the once!- do you know anyone who has one that you can borrow? failing that I'd take a picture of it and show it to you Farrier or a local Blacksmith- they should be able to make the iron bit for you! as I once borrowed one off of a Farrier who made it themselves and was exactly the same as the one in the photo.

You could then get a saddler to make the leatherwork for you?

I used one on my horse the once for loading and he has never messed around when loading since and that was some years ago- I now use a Chifney to lead him with a chain and he respects it.

Gd luck!
 

This filly's mother was a bi*ch when she was little, but unlike this one, she was difficult right from birth so I was used to her antics by the time she was really pushing the boundaries at the yearling stage. I'd always led her with a chain across the nose and that worked. With this filly she resents any discomfort and throws a complete wobbly. She's always been so good and co-operative I think it's come as a complete shock to her to suddenly find herself made made uncomfortable in any way. If only she was smart enough to work out why this is suddenly happening
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DUH.
 

A pea-brain question perhaps... do you use the Stephens Controller with the lead rein attached above or below the horse's jaw? In the photos it is always shown with the ring at the top, so does this mean you use it like a lunge canvasson?
 
Yes you have it like a lunge cavesson with the ring at the front of the horses face - fairly high up.

(You do have to be quite careful when using it and use it quickly and sharply and soon as the horse releases and behaves them you must release the pressure) You may find that your horse will throw a wobbler or hissy fit in protest but they'll soon get the idea- mine did!

If someone has got one that you can borrow that is used to using it , that may be a good idea- they are widely used at Studs as they are also known as a Stallion Ring- maybe worth ringing some up by chance to see if any have one that you can borrow! good luck though!
 
I know a guy who does leather work-he may be able to make one for you. PM me if interested he is v reasonbale and poss post he is making me a hunter double at the moment made to measure etc.
 

Thanks for the advice on using it. I'm used to using a Chifney so should be fine using the stallion ring. Just hadn't seen one in-situ. She'll inevitably throw a massive tantrum, like you say, but hopefully she'll give in gracefully and we'll get along better once she gets the hang of what's expected. Fingers are firmly crossed it proves a good investment.

I finally succumbed and bought a new one from eBay. I've got several up and coming babies so expect it could be useful in the future. Seems like a useful bit of kit to have in any case. At the price it cost, maybe I should hire it out!!!
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Thanks again for all your help everyone.
 
Gosh, I know they can get very expensive. I've seen a few since I bought mine and have been shocked just how much some are asking for them.

Must admit, it IS the best bit of kit I own even though it did cost me £130. Really is. The horses simply do not argue with it. No matter how psyched up they're feeling and desperate to explode in-hand. One small tug on the nose and they're, "Oh, okay. I remember, I'll be good. Promise." And that's that. No more aggravation. Far better IMO than hanging on to a rearing, leaping youngster by a lunge line threaded through the headcollar nose band, or using a chifney or bitted bridle. I wouldn't be able to use a bitted form of constraint anyway as none of mine would stand still in the field long enough to get the bit in!

The Stephens controller does have to be used with care, though. Better to give a small tug on the rope and let loose again, than to hang on to it tightly. I notice both my husband and Step-father want to 'hang on for dear life' when the horses start to mess about, which just irritates the heck out of the horses and makes them fuss more. I've been having to diplomatically suggest a loosish hold unless a correction is needed when a small tug is all that's needed. It really works if used gently.
 
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