Loosing Control

SandraCalvert

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4 June 2008
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West Sussex
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I have had my 14.2 Cob for nearly a year now, he is generally a lovely pony, but i have nearly always had an issue leading him, last summer managed to get on top of it by having to lead him out in a bridle to the field. Over winter on turnout things got better, but he has started pulling again, and i am having to let go, which leaves him running round the yard like a mad thing!, Last week i got kicked in the process, then was leading him out of indoor school (where he was letting of a bit of steam!) yesterday and he just turns his head,and there is no holding him! A danger to property and human and horses alike! Yard owner thinks i should have him in a Chifney, someone else suggested a Dually Headcollar. He is very strong, and he is just being naughty, cause there is nothing that can be causing him pain! He just seems to now know his own strength and if he decides he doesnt want to go the way i do, he aint gonna do it!!! Any ideas, am spending more time off my horse than on it through injuries!!!! getting desperate!!!! I love him really....
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Oh thats sounds horrible, naughty pony! My horse was bad to lead until we started parelli now i think he has a bit more respect for me on the ground. Something to consider maybe?
 
You should use a dually headcollar or chifney, if used correctly they wont harm the horse just keep it undercontrol.

Yes they are stronger but that is for a reason.
You obviously need something stronger or you wouldnt have this problem
 
I have the same sized cob as you and he knows his own strength. In the past terrible problems leading him, bridle made no difference - bought a 'be nice' halter and that stopped him pulling me around and running off. It works as a pressure halter - pressure points on the poll and under the noseband - if he pulls away you pull your lead rope downwards towards the ground which places pressure on the poll. Only pull downwards if he plays up and release the pressure after a second or two. In the wrong hands they can cause damage to the poll. Start off in the school/enclosed space with it so you know how to use it - if you don't learn to use it then he'll run off with it on and you do not want that as it will not break if he gets it wrapped around something! After a while you should be able to use a normal halter again if you want as you will gain respect when leading with the be nice. I've had to use mine this winter after not using it for a year as he's been turned out alot and got a bit bolshy when I want to bring him in - naughty boy! The halter is for leading never tie your horse up with it on. I paid 30 pounds about 2 years ago for it. If your cob is a solid one get the large size - that's what fits mine. Highly recommend it, it should solve your problem. Good luck!
 
We have my sisters very headstrong horse in an eskadron headcollar that has chain going across the nose, then underneath which you clip onto. if they pull, the chain tightens. He is much better behaved in this
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I use a chifney at times like this. I have a Welsh D who knows his strength, he is much better than he used to be even in his bridle. But if I am leading him on the road or somewhere I need ultimate control or somewhere he may get silly (like an event) I use the chifney. I don't actually have to use it as such as he has learn't that he cannot get away from me in it and so does not try to bother anymore. I have him on a lunge line too so I can get some distance between us for safety if needs be.
If you are going the halter or chifney route, get someone knowledgable to show you how to use it effectively first.
 
I'd use some form of pressure halter too. Personal preference for me is the Richard Maxwell halter. I don't get on with duallys.
 
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