Which is the best control halter?

[buzyizzy]

I have one horse who is pulling me when I lead him to the field and back. He's being a right pain and I have him at a yard where YO is a little more mature than me so he needs to slow down!
Also, my daughter's pony resumed his usual habit of getting away from me today to eat the grass in the field I have to lead them thru on their way to the yard. He doesn't so much pull as give a damn good yank which makes sure I drop the lead rope and then bums off to eat the grass! There is plenty of grass in their own field, so he doesn't need it. He does have a be nice halter already, but tbh I've tried that loads and the only thing I see to be able to do is put it on a lunge rein and then when he does it, I hang on to the end and reel him in as it were. However, he will most likely hurt YO.
Any suggestions are welcome but I do have a limited budget.

 

[FfionWinnie]

It's not the halter but what you do with it that counts.

 

[SarahWeston]

It sounds to me more like you could do with a session with someone showing you how to get the best from your halter and your leading position. Sometimes something as simple as having your palm downwards on the lead rein will help to give you more control, as well as insisting that your horse does not over take you at all when you are leading. I find that leading with the horse's head at MY shoulder (not me at his) helps to maintain control from the outset. You need to know how to gently correct your horse the instant he is not where you want him to be. You could also try clickering him to be at your side when you lead him but again it would be good to have a proper session showing you how to do this especially as his primary thought is always food.

 

[buzyizzy]

Hahaha!!! Sorry, but until this winter the horse has always been fine, but he's spent sooooo long in that now he's back to daily turnout I don't have a hope of slowing him down. I can insist all I like, he's normally very well mannered, but I now need something that is going to wake him up to listen to me. I've no doubt in a short time he will settle agsin, but I need this not to become the norm. I had to laugh at the "Palm downward" suggestion. Perhaps you would like to come and have a go at teaching him? Lol

 

[Theocat]

I think your last post is a little bit rude when people are trying to help, and as you've told us that both your horses misbehave in hand, and that you already have a pressure halter that isn't working, it probably is worth looking at your methods rather than blaming circumstance or trying a new piece of kit.

Do you do ground work with them? Do you also do ground work (halts, backing up) on the way to and from the field? I'd start with that.

If you're sure the problem is short term and money is tight, I would use a bridle or even just slip a loop of rope over the nose (shoot me now) rather than waste money on another halter - but from what you've said I do think you should look at your handling first in any case.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Don't dismiss Sarah's advice out of hand, she is a trainer who helps with problems like this on a regular basis.

 

[Echo24]

It sounds to me more like you could do with a session with someone showing you how to get the best from your halter and your leading position. Sometimes something as simple as having your palm downwards on the lead rein will help to give you more control, as well as insisting that your horse does not over take you at all when you are leading. I find that leading with the horse's head at MY shoulder (not me at his) helps to maintain control from the outset. You need to know how to gently correct your horse the instant he is not where you want him to be. You could also try clickering him to be at your side when you lead him but again it would be good to have a proper session showing you how to do this especially as his primary thought is always food.

Agree with this. I found standing by my horses head rather than his shoulders was a huge help with leading him. When I did lots of groundwork with my youngster I also found him much more responsive and respectful with the day to day things such as leading. Good luck!

 

[Happy Hunter]

BusyIzzy if you're so sure it 'not' a problem or at least it will go away soon,,,, You seem unprepared to take on such reasonable and wise advice... well I suppose you won't mind a few more skiing lessons! How very rude.

 

[YorksG]

Given your rudeness when responding to others advice OP, I wonder if it's worth me replying, but here goes. Go to your local agri merchant and buy an old fashioned rope cow halter, then pick up a schooling whip to hold across the horses chest and, if necessary, vibrate thestick to remind the horse that there is a barrier. Stop often on the way to the field and reward with whatever reward you use with your horse. When you get to the field do not remove the halter and let the horse go until YOU decide. Works with everything from youngsters to older draught horses who know their own strength.

 

[gnubee]

I love my Dually. Theyre really not cheap, even second hand but fixed my bargy youngster in a couple of sessions. I continue to use it with her cos she reverts to bad habits quickly in a regular headcollar, but if yours have previously been fine you could get one and sell it on to get your money back once your problem is fixed.

Sizing is really important with them (can do serious damage to nose if badly fitted) so not sure 1 purchase would sort out both your horses. Also, mine really resisted and then panicked when i first used it on her so make sure you use it in a safe environment like the school the first few times before you start leadijg properly in it. You can get a DVD on correct useage which I would highly recommend if you haven't used one before as they can do a lot of damage if not used correctly.