Post by rideanotherday on Apr 11, 2016 11:12:00 GMT
So, on one of the horse boards I follow on Facebook, I came across this gem.
"Looking for a halter for a horse that hates to have anything on his head. My nylon halter is too heavy and makes him shake his head, my rope halters are light enough (and rigid enough to practically stand off of his face) but are too harsh with the knots and especially the thin strand on his poll. He's happy with a neck rope or a simple headstall with no nose or browband, but can't lead or tie him safely in these. Looking at mule tape halters as an option, have also had pvc/biothane sidepulls and halters recommended. Also considering sheepskin covers. Looking for something especially which will be broad and light on his nose and poll. Anyone with face-touchy horses try any of these and have any recommendations for halter styles or specific sellers, warnings about products that did not work, etc?"
This was my response: "I have much less sympathy, I guess. Rather than finding a different halter, teach him to tolerate the ones you have. The halter isn't hurting him. I'm not sure how old the horse is, but halters are simply a part of life. That head shaking is his way of telling you to eff off. In general, the amount of time we humans ask a horse to put up with a few things is minimal. I'd put him to work with whatever halter you want and whenever that head shaking comes out, I would put him into a working trot until he's too busy to be shaking his head and once he stops shaking his head, let him rest. Wash, rinse, repeat until he no longer shakes his head."
There were several different types of halters offered, ranging from paracord weight rope halters to adding sheepskin etc. All I could do was roll my eyes.
What are your thoughts on this?
"Looking for a halter for a horse that hates to have anything on his head. My nylon halter is too heavy and makes him shake his head, my rope halters are light enough (and rigid enough to practically stand off of his face) but are too harsh with the knots and especially the thin strand on his poll. He's happy with a neck rope or a simple headstall with no nose or browband, but can't lead or tie him safely in these. Looking at mule tape halters as an option, have also had pvc/biothane sidepulls and halters recommended. Also considering sheepskin covers. Looking for something especially which will be broad and light on his nose and poll. Anyone with face-touchy horses try any of these and have any recommendations for halter styles or specific sellers, warnings about products that did not work, etc?"
This was my response: "I have much less sympathy, I guess. Rather than finding a different halter, teach him to tolerate the ones you have. The halter isn't hurting him. I'm not sure how old the horse is, but halters are simply a part of life. That head shaking is his way of telling you to eff off. In general, the amount of time we humans ask a horse to put up with a few things is minimal. I'd put him to work with whatever halter you want and whenever that head shaking comes out, I would put him into a working trot until he's too busy to be shaking his head and once he stops shaking his head, let him rest. Wash, rinse, repeat until he no longer shakes his head."
There were several different types of halters offered, ranging from paracord weight rope halters to adding sheepskin etc. All I could do was roll my eyes.
What are your thoughts on this?
Has he been injured? If not injury related, it's time for some good, old fasioned training. 
