Rope pressure halters - do they work?

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Footlights

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Going slightly mad with my stubborn horse who is fabulous to lead, as long as he wants to go there! Last night it took me 40 minutes to get him back in the field because he decided that he would much rather just hang out with me and eat his hay net!

I had the same problem when I first got him trying to get him OUT of the field!! I suppose I should take it as a compliment that he would rather stay with me, but it is a tad annoying!

I had to slowly coax him back with food and the clicker. I have tried other methods and he just gets very angry with me and it makes matters worse.

Anyway, I just wanted to know who has had similar problems with leading and if a rope/pressure halter helped at all?
 
I find they make a difference though I've never used them to sort any specific issues as such, just when doing work in hand. I prefer them to head collar's, where the pressure points are anyway.
 
I think I'd agree with you about putting the bridle on if he was trying to run off or barge into me, but he is planting and walking backwards so not sure how leading from the bit would help in this situation? But correct me if I'm wrong, never had experience with a horse wanting to walk backwards before!!
 
They certainly do work and would be ideal for a horse that is planting itself.

But....... you have to teach the horse to yield to pressure. Please don't thinks you can stick the halter on and all will be fixed.

I have used the Richard Maxwell halter and book (much cheaper halters are available) and found as soon as the horse had been taught to yield to the slightest pressure the penny dropped big time.
 
I bought a really nappy horse, she would nap going to the field and coming back to the stable, sometimes she did not want to leave her stable, other times she didn't want to go in it. I bought a Kelly Marks headcollar. Look at the DVD that comes with it. I couldn't believe that making a horse back up all the time could possibly work with a horse who had planted and refused to go anywhere, but actually it does work very well. Look on her website. It's a good quality piece of kit.
 
Thanks, the horse definitely does know how to yield to pressure he is just being stubborn!

Thank you, I will have a look on Kelly's website. Can you explain her method of backing up? I would be worried about using this on a horse that already loves to walk backwards!
 
Footlights said:
Thanks, the horse definitely does know how to yield to pressure he is just being stubborn!

Thank you, I will have a look on Kelly's website. Can you explain her method of backing up? I would be worried about using this on a horse that already loves to walk backwards!
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I would imagine its the same theory as pushing on a bolting horse. They want to go, so you push them and when they go to stop, you say no and push them on. The theory is that YOU are the one asking them to do it and not the other way round as such. When they back up without yoing, you then ask them to back up and keep doing it until all they want to do is go foreward. Thats how I view it anyway.
 
They are great for pushy and bargy horses. They work well when doing groundwork and teaching them to yield to pressure. :) Would never solid tie with one though!
 
i use rope halters all the time on my two boys. they are brilliant. the thin cord becomes uncomfortable for them if they try and pull you or pull backwards and the knots are placed on pressure points of the skull. the key is to release the pressure when your horse responds in a positive way. they then learn that the best place to be is calmly by your side.
 
Rhandir said:
just keep him backing until it switches from being his idea to yours
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This - it works a treat. Horse soon get bored with this. They don't like endless backing up and by moving the horses feet - you are in control. It's the same principle as making a horse move that won't stand still - you move it until it complies when you take the pressure off.
A rope or pressure headcollar ust allows you to give a very clear signal - pressure and release. Remember timing is everything with the pressure and release method.
 
AdorableAlice said:
They certainly do work and would be ideal for a horse that is planting itself.

But....... you have to teach the horse to yield to pressure. Please don't thinks you can stick the halter on and all will be fixed.

I have used the Richard Maxwell halter and book (much cheaper halters are available) and found as soon as the horse had been taught to yield to the slightest pressure the penny dropped big time.
Click to expand...

Ditto this.
 
Thanks everyone. I think I will get a pressure halter and try backing up and see if that helps.

Just out of interest - when you back up your horse, do you think it's better to put the pressure on their chest or nose, or doesn't it matter? I have always used chest before but this horse is a bit nippy so I'm not sure I would want my body being near his mouth - easy target!
 
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