Twitches.....

Frances144

Frances144

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Ok, I know about nosey twitches and yes, I have had to use one on occasion with success.

I have no intention of using any other type but since this Parelli uproar and the words "gum twitch" being bandied around, could someone please explain other types of twitching and how they work.

I have also heard of ear twitching too.

Yet again, I would reiterate, this is just so I know this information rather than use it before anyone jumps on me.
 
In addition to a ear twitch, you can also use a neck twitch, but should only really be performed by experienced people. I personally prefer a neck twitch to a nose twitch, much less fuss.
 
an ear twitch is when you bend/twist the ear to create the same result as nose/neck twitch. Its thought to cause head shy-ness. I was very shocked the other week when the vet grabbed my yearlings ear when she was being a bit fiesty, nothing nasty just genuinely scared. He ended up setting us back several weeks in our traning, as she was completely unhandled when she arrived! & then he told me she needed strapping (tying to a post until she learnt not to pull back) :O (sorry for the moan! & being off topic).
Basically a twitch inflicts a level of pain, that results in the release of endorphins which calms the horse. So each type of twitch causes this on a different part of the body, with varying severity. I believe the lip twitch is meant to be the most sever but maybe wrong.
 
I have use commanche halter before, which uses the same technique that has been refered to on here recently as a gum line. PP used it completely incorrectly at his demo. It hardly needs any pressure at all to work and should definitly leave no mark!! I have NEVER left a mark using it (which was just to clip my old horses ears). It is much less hassle to use than a nose twitch which is why I chose it. I have also known someone use it for their youngster for their farrier. Again not a mark was made on the horse.

I think some people are going to think they are horrific after the whole Parelli thing. But they really are not. I'd recommend one to anyone. It's just that Prat Parelli is a plank who used it completely incorrectly.

http://www.frogpool.com/tack/leather-work/head-collars-and-leadropes/aerborn-comanche-calmer.html
 
galaxy23 said:
I have use commanche halter before, which uses the same technique that has been refered to on here recently as a gum line. PP used it completely incorrectly at his demo. It hardly needs any pressure at all to work and should definitly leave no mark!! I have NEVER left a mark using it (which was just to clip my old horses ears). It is much less hassle to use than a nose twitch which is why I chose it. I have also known someone use it for their youngster for their farrier. Again not a mark was made on the horse.

I think some people are going to think they are horrific after the whole Parelli thing. But they really are not. I'd recommend one to anyone. It's just that Prat Parelli is a plank who used it completely incorrectly.

http://www.frogpool.com/tack/leather-work/head-collars-and-leadropes/aerborn-comanche-calmer.html
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So how does it work?? Does the rope go under the lip??
 
My horse bears the scars from having his tongue twitched. His tongue was almost severed!
From what I gather this kind of twitching is actually illegal,but is still used in some circles.
 
loz9 said:
an ear twitch is when you bend/twist the ear to create the same result as nose/neck twitch. Its thought to cause head shy-ness. I was very shocked the other week when the vet grabbed my yearlings ear when she was being a bit fiesty, nothing nasty just genuinely scared. He ended up setting us back several weeks in our traning, as she was completely unhandled when she arrived! & then he told me she needed strapping (tying to a post until she learnt not to pull back) :O (sorry for the moan! & being off topic).
Basically a twitch inflicts a level of pain, that results in the release of endorphins which calms the horse. So each type of twitch causes this on a different part of the body, with varying severity. I believe the lip twitch is meant to be the most sever but maybe wrong.
Click to expand...

sorry, this is not so- all the horses i clipped needing twitching were never head shy as a result- i can only speak from my own experience.
 
DipseyDeb said:
So how does it work?? Does the rope go under the lip??
Click to expand...

Yes you run the rope (which is covered in a plastic type covering, so no abrasion) under their top lip, above the teeth. You don't "pull" on it. Just take the tension if you like.
 
rosiefronfelen said:
sorry, this is not so- all the horses i clipped needing twitching were never head shy as a result- i can only speak from my own experience.
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Only put that it is thought, as in it is speculation, not fact & was only relating it to ear twitches, not nose or neck.
Then stated my experience, which i didnt say caused my yearlings head shy-ness only that it set back her training, as she was already headshy.
 
loz9 said:
Only put that it is thought, as in it is speculation, not fact & was only relating it to ear twitches, not nose or neck.
Then stated my experience, which i didnt say caused my yearlings head shy-ness only that it set back her training, as she was already headshy.
Click to expand...

ok,no probs. i was always led to believe that ear twitching was the worst, so never did it.
 
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