ImproperUsername (January 1, 1970 at 7:29 am)

IMHO, draw reins should be used very sparingly, if at all. Their effect is temporary--they don't actually teach the horse how to carry himself properly, and they tend to make a horse heavy on the forehand or go behind the vertical. Check out my western pleasure horse training tutorial videos for some alternate methods--especially my Lesson 3.

thathorsechic (January 1, 1970 at 7:29 am)

I just read your discussion on the proper way to train a horse for head carriage. I have been training my QH for head carriage for western pleasure recently using draw reins. It's a lot of work, but I think it's pretty humane for the horse. If he starts getting uncomfortable, he can simply raise his head with no trouble. You can get them for about $15 or $20 at TSC. They're synthetic, but I find them a lot more comfortable than leather draw reins. Hope that helps!

dgf7701 (January 1, 1970 at 7:29 am)

decorated by mito is amazing, i get to ride him all the time. he is the most amazing horse. =)

eeyorewillruleall (January 1, 1970 at 7:29 am)

Some people.... lovely, vid!It's so amazing how they always keep their head like that, no matter what =). (The one thing my horse just doesn't like to do.)

lenamom1 (January 1, 1970 at 7:29 am)

CONGRESS GIRL..... You were NOT riding HUNTIN BUDDY because that is my AUNT on that horse and she doesn't go by the name CHRISTIE she goes by the name CHRIS and doesn't boast about her accomplishments either. But she would probably laugh at the fact that she has an online imposter.

jmaloof (January 1, 1970 at 7:29 am)

when forward motion is engaged from the horses hindquater's you can utilize the momentum, not the speed, to get your horse to connect to the bit and ultimately be soft in the bridle with his head carried at the desired position. hope that helped!

Kiley1127 (January 1, 1970 at 7:29 am)

It just takes a lot of patients. What you want to do is try putting a light constant pressure on the horses mouth. Even if he pulls or fights don't get mad just keep constant pressure. As soon as he gives (drops) his head at all even the slightest bit you should loosen the reins and praise him. If that doesn't work try the samething with a tuning fork. Remember to be patient it wont happen over night. GOOD LUCK...Contact me if you need any more help.

ImproperUsername (January 1, 1970 at 7:29 am)

If you would like to know a humane training method to improve your horse's head/neck carriage, message me privately.

ImproperUsername (January 1, 1970 at 7:29 am)

We're still dealing with the issue of 'tail blocking.' Against the rules, but many carded judges and licensed vets perform it.

ImproperUsername (January 1, 1970 at 7:29 am)

It has to be mostly genetic/conformation. However, sadly, there have been a few folks who abused their horses for the sake of 'head carriage.' They would tie the horse's head to the rafters so he could barely stand flat on his front feet and leave him that way overnight. Those abuses (including bloodletting) is one of the things that brought about the demand for change in the Pleasure Horse industry. (Continued...)