How do you actually use a neck strap, please...?

[LEC]

I cannot ride without a neckstrap. I hate looking down and seeing nothing! Essentially I tend to loop 3 fingers under the neck strap when needed. I have a shires one but I am VERY fussy about them. Cannot be too thick, too short, has to be even in shape all the way round. I obsessively OCD about it. But I use mine a fair bit with very sharp horses and baby horses when most other people are ejected.

 

[LEC]

She was 4 on 11th May; owned for 4 weeks tomorrow. 17hh ISH with a dash of warmblood.

I don't blame her for what she did because the noise was REALLY loud & sudden, but I would rather that it didn't become her go-to if she fancies a bit of fun.

There was no time to get unbalanced or otherwise as it was literally one huge spook. I didn't have a chance of staying on & didn't yesterday either! I have been riding my other horse without stirrups to help with my seat, but it's not going to be enough.

In situations like this I go back to basics. I lunge first to knock some stuffing out and get the adrenaline calmer and then get on. If they feel slightly sharp, I get back off and do the same. Its about them managing their emotions and adrenaline. I had one who had very poor management (did go 3* and won an international so got there in the end) so it was rinse and repeat a lot or I would be on the floor. I also had raised trotting poles in the middle of the arena and would go over them a lot to help them focus on something else other than what they were worried about. They cannot buck or spook if having to think about their feet as they don't just like sending poles all over the place. Its also about disengaging the hind leg if its escalating. I tend to have a walk/trot pattern which will help this and keep doing it. Its essentially a small figure of 8 which takes you along one side of the arena.

 

[catembi]

This is the thing...I don't know when I am going to need to hang on! For last night's session, for 29 minutes and 59 seconds, I didn't need any help with staying on, but for 1 second I did...and I didn't know she was going to spook until pretty much after she'd done it, at which point it was too late!

I suppose that next time I will know that being verrry slightly looky might mean 'big spook coming'...?

 

[Slightlyconfused]

Anything attached to the saddle has the disadvantage that the horse doesn't know you are using it. Might not apply in all circumstances but some horses will slow down for you if they feel you use the strap.

Sister has taught her horse this, and if needed he can come to a complete stop depending on the pressure used.

 

[Mrs G]

Ah, its very early days then! Try not to dwell on it or see it as an insurmountable problem. You are just getting to know each other and she is just getting used to being a ridden horse. You will more than likely come off again before you're done! Get a neck strap and/or a pommel strap, wear a body protector, always have someone with you when you ride, work on your balance and seat on your other horse, maybe do some core exercises - everything you can think off that will help with your confidence and maybe go back a step with your still very young horse, again work on her confidence too. In time you will learn her triggers and be able to feel when she's tense or on edge or more likely to spook but ime, sitting a big, completely unexpected spook is often just a matter of luck - and getting ditched happens to us all!

 

[catembi]

Thank you...that's helpful.

She's not spooky or worried though...in fact she's pretty laid back, until all of a sudden...

Aarrgghh, I should have bought a rocking horse...

I am also going to Do Something about the hind gut as I suspect that there might be something going on there...

 

[Slightlyconfused]

https://www.rbequestrian.co.uk/saddlery-tack/tack-accessories/hy-equestrian-leather-neck-strap-in-brown--web-exclusive__1641367

They have it in stock, this is what we have

 

[Patterdale]

I have a breastgirth with the top strap long - I can grab it whilst still holding the rein effectively and without needing to move my hand back

 

[Pippity]

I have an R-Stor and don't find it any more awkward to hold than riding with a whip. It's saved me when she's jumped forward in a spook, but not sure how useful it would be with a sideways or backwards.

That said, it only works if you actually hold it. I was walking round on a loose rein to cool down so didn't bother holding it. That, of course, was the point when Blue spooked and I ended up on the floor with a broken back!

 

[ihatework]

A few thoughts and I am aware it might sound a little judgy but wasn't to assure you it's not meant with any malice.

Firstly - the big spook in the situation you describe - completely forgivable for most horses, let alone a 4yo. So try and box that one up in isolation, especially like you say her default nature seems pretty steady.

The judgy bit - just turned 4yo. 4 weeks in new home. Outing away from home. Rider who has had a few non-starters so is a little out of practice. Throw in some XC.
Can you see how this might be quite trigger stacking and overwhelming for a young horse?

My take on it (hands up - could be completely wrong), is the horse has possibly lost a bit of confidence in you. Some just hold in the anxiety quite subtly and then the overdramatic spook for no obvious reason is just their way of releasing it.

I'd go back to keeping things short and sweet and fun. My 4 yo's rarely would do 30 mins solid in an arena. Take the pressure of both of you for a few months, get to know each other. Ride out with friends. Do some groundwork. 15-20 mins (even 10 mins) in the school with an aim, after a short hack. That kind of thing.

If you are feeling nervous on top, that is the priority to work on. Horses pick up on that like you wouldn't believe.

 

[SEL]

I used an old stirrup leather for a neck strap and the only 2 scenarios I've used it for are:

a) when very, bouncy jolly Fell pony decides he needs to boing his way down the hill to the village - I hold on to the neck strap just in case he trips over his own feet. Used in combo with feet jammed forwards, heels firmly down, and very bad language!

b) when we first started cantering in the school and he was both excited and unbalanced. Once he was moving forwards I let go and stopped praying

^^^ baby cob came with one and these are the scenarios I've used it for rather than forgot it was there. Our first few times out jumping were more bouncing Tigger than grand prix wannabe and I had one hand firmly on the neck strap, other hand up to try and get his head up.

I didn't grow up with a neck strap though so tend to forget it's there. It is useful mid rodeo though

 

[SEL]

I've just read about your spook. I've come off both the Appy and Babycob with deer shooting out of the hedge. Those sideways teleporting manoeuvres don't give you any chance to grab the neck strap. At other times I've stayed on but more by luck tbh

I'd just quietly go back a few steps and see if you can find an older horse for a babysitter.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I've got a hi-viz/reflector one which I got from Premier Equine via e-bay.

Best ever use of it was when I was in a wide-open space on our local common and pony got a bit excited in canter on a nice bit of turfy green stuff; believe me THAT was when I really did appreciate all the possible uses of a neck (sorry should have said ohh-sh!t) strap.

 

[TheMule]

A few thoughts and I am aware it might sound a little judgy but wasn't to assure you it's not meant with any malice.

Firstly - the big spook in the situation you describe - completely forgivable for most horses, let alone a 4yo. So try and box that one up in isolation, especially like you say her default nature seems pretty steady.

The judgy bit - just turned 4yo. 4 weeks in new home. Outing away from home. Rider who has had a few non-starters so is a little out of practice. Throw in some XC.
Can you see how this might be quite trigger stacking and overwhelming for a young horse?

My take on it (hands up - could be completely wrong), is the horse has possibly lost a bit of confidence in you. Some just hold in the anxiety quite subtly and then the overdramatic spook for no obvious reason is just their way of releasing it.

I'd go back to keeping things short and sweet and fun. My 4 yo's rarely would do 30 mins solid in an arena. Take the pressure of both of you for a few months, get to know each other. Ride out with friends. Do some groundwork. 15-20 mins (even 10 mins) in the school with an aim, after a short hack. That kind of thing.

If you are feeling nervous on top, that is the priority to work on. Horses pick up on that like you wouldn't believe.

Totally agree- she has literally just turned 4, she's big so will have a lot of growing/ maturing to do, and you've likely just over-stepped what she can physically/ mentally coped with.
My 4yr olds work 2 days on, 1 day off- mostly hacking, with 20min sessions in the school walk and trot. I also frequently throw in a week off here or there if they look like they’re growing or have done a bit more for whatever reason.
I would give her a week off, do some groundwork, get back out hacking and then come back to the arena. I would try not to hold any thoughts of this spook and turn because it was just an unfortunate thing that happened when she was likely trigger stacked.

 

[scats]

Mine wear 3 point martingales so I will hook a few fingers in that if needed.

I had an RS-Tor on the hooligan, but I just didn’t feel that secure in it if I’m honest.

 

[Ratface]

Sister has taught her horse this, and if needed he can come to a complete stop depending on the pressure used.

The above technique taught current Mr. Go As Fast As Possible that he needs to go less fast. Doesn't interfere with his mouth, so stops hysterical head-in-the-air dramas.

 

[scats]

This is the thing...I don't know when I am going to need to hang on! For last night's session, for 29 minutes and 59 seconds, I didn't need any help with staying on, but for 1 second I did...and I didn't know she was going to spook until pretty much after she'd done it, at which point it was too late!

I suppose that next time I will know that being verrry slightly looky might mean 'big spook coming'...?

Millie had a dreadful spin and run habit when I got her and I hated hacking her out. I learnt to adopt safety seat- bum back, legs infront, a bit ‘chair like’. I managed to sit them and she grew out of the habit. She will very occasionally do it still, but 99% of the time she just does a little on the spot spook, which is far preferable!

 

[monte1]

I've used it in a similar situation, better than grabbing the mane which isn't so nice for the horse. Don't hold it coming in to the fence but let go a rein and slip a hand in at the last minute when they're about to go. I'm thinking here for ditches, jumping into water or a pole on the ground where you are coming in slowly but may get a big reaction.

Out hacking when horse is likely to react explosively to something happening or might suddenly spook sideways in canter, I can slip 2 fingers through to stabilise myself. Still hold the reins but wouldn't be on a tight contact.

I do very similar to you, i use an old stirrup leather as a neckstrap on my just backed 4 year old, I have it quite loose so i can reach it easily and helps me to stabilise, also using along with rein and voice aids to slow him up or ask a little half halt, as I know I have a tendency to grab the reins if he spooks or shoots forward to fast, I want him to be nice and forward but I don't want to catch him in the mouth by mistake.

 

[Fieldlife]

Thank you...that's helpful.

She's not spooky or worried though...in fact she's pretty laid back, until all of a sudden...

Aarrgghh, I should have bought a rocking horse...

I am also going to Do Something about the hind gut as I suspect that there might be something going on there...

I would try 14 days of a decent dose of Equishure and see if it helped.

In terms of grab straps, I would try a range. Key is to work out what will sit right under your hands and be grab-able in an emergency. Or what you can hold and ride with.

I use both a R-stor and an oversized hunting breastplate without the martingale part. Both are a pretty good location for grabbing for me. Others use two flash straps as a longer pommel strap. Others use a single rein buckled as neck strap.

I dont regularly hold the r-stor but it is a good length to hold and ride as normal if I do pick it up for some reason.

Other ways to improve stickability - stickier breeches / sticky seat spray / bigger knee rolls on saddle?

 

[Steerpike]

I always ride with a neck strap and keep it loose enough I can hold into it with one of two fingers in one hand, I have them made for me so they are about half the width of a stirrup leather.

 

[Midlifecrisis]

Catembi your question has made me think and smile at my stupidity…I have long stirrup leathers as neck straps..I started riding my mare with it on when she was 4 and that seems sensible…she’s 12 now..I still have the strap and I’ve never ever grabbed it..even when she gave her big spooks (pheasants flying from underneath her etc). I ve just hacked out this morning accompanying our youngster (also with neck strap) and now I wonder if it’s just habit. Oh no I remember I hold onto neck strap when I dismount cos I’m old and creaky! I’m gonna ponder this question more…lol…

 

[maya2008]

I hate them. Much safer in nearly every situation to just grab the mane if you keep it long enough! Grab neck strap, strap rotates, you end up on the floor anyway. Plus your weight went forwards to grab it so not sitting up as you need to be (so more likely to fall off in the first place!). Grab mane, at least it helps you stay put! Only time I have found them useful is when I had a cob cross who would balloon jumps. Allowed me to move with him and stretch forwards (old stirrup leather type of neck strap) but stopped me ever touching his mouth even when he catapulted me towards the moon.

I have a friend who loves neck straps. So I did try it with myself and kids. We just fell off more so reverted back to longer manes and no strap!

 

[Lucky Snowball]

I’m another thinking neck straps are a hazard if horse puts its head down. At least use a loose strap to keep it in place. I prefer a handful of mane which doesn’t move. A friend loved her rs-tor but I think it was the placebo effect.

 

[catembi]

I have just been watching this...might try it later...

Thanks so much for all the helpful suggestions. Lots of stuff to try. I am not feeling so alone now!

 

[catembi]

And here she is, the ginger madam…

 

[Meredith]

Not sure if this would suit you but this is what I do.
Having been told after an accident that I must Not jar one shoulder I used a martingale neck strap without the part to the reins and girth as a stirrup leather was too wide. I then found I either missed it when I needed to grab it or it pulled me too far forward.
I added a leather dog collar on to the ring on one side of the wither strap of the breast plate. I can hold this all the time. When it is pulled it doesn’t touch the horse’s mouth and the horse doesn’t jar my shoulder.
Picture to help but it will take some deciphering

 

[alexomahony]

I have an old stirrup leather... to be fair I only really use it if I'm asking Sky to do something that I'm not sure how he's going to use himself to achieve it. For example, the last time I used it was on a fun ride and there was an Irish bank he had to jump on to the top, and off again. I didn't want to block him but also didn't want to get left behind so I gave him pretty much all the rein and just held onto the neckdstrap instead. Other than that, maybe the odd ditch but I don't tent to use it too much, but I like to have it there

 

[catembi]

That looks interesting, Meredith... So you only have it attached one side so it's a strap rather than a handle...?

 

[JFTDWS]

I honestly think for me it's more psycological than physical. By taking the neckstarp I relax a little more and am less likely to shorten/tighten the contact

This. I learned to hack my idiotic, spooky (only when hacking alone) pony by sticking on a neck strap so I had something to hold while deliberately not touching his mouth, in times of stress. It’s very effective, in the right circumstances.

In the original post, if I was concerned about a horse ballooning a fence, I wouldn’t touch the neck strap until the final stride before the fence. It’s possible to steer while holding a neck strap but there’s no need to ride into the fence holding it.

Spooking is harder to predict, I don’t think I’ve ever found a neck strap useful in that kind of situation. I’m very much a lower leg in front of me, shoulders back and try not to die kind of person in those circumstances. Learned from my drop-spin-depart idiot in his youth.

 

[Birker2020]

Personally the less you have in the way of your hands should you fall the better.

I would not use a neck strap after reading about Christopher Reeve who got caught up in one whilst falling, which actually meant he fell on his neck. However, I'm not sure how accurate this is as I've just watched the video of his fall and it wasn't apparent that is what happened.