Whats the difference??

[horsesforever]

Between a "pressure halter" and a "training halter" ? :)

Also, can you ride in either?

[LodgeRopes]

G'day Horsesforever.

great question, I guess the responses you get will depend a lot on the length of time forum members have been individually working with such items.
When we started to first hear about natural training methods, both terms related to the same thing, a standard rope halter, that has been made popular by clinicians all over the world.
But in recent times, the term 'pressure halter' has been used to market a range of different designs that vary from the traditional rope halter.
The standard rope training halter does not change shape when pressure is applied, the individual components stay the same length in relation to each other. In simple terms, there are no moving parts.
The pressure halters come in all shapes and designs but tend to have a common characteristic.... they all have a moving component. Either the noseband constricts or the poll strap exerts more pressure, or both, when the horse leans into, pulls away from or just fails to follow the pressure cue.

This constrictive action tends not to be limited in any way and safe use often depends on the experienced hands controlling the leadrope/rein to control the amount of constrictive pressure applied. Some designs can readily cause pain, discomfort or an emotional blowup if incorrectly used. This is why one may encounter some opposition, or at least, differing opinions on the benefits of pressure halters. Having said that, I am always quick to point out that the misuse or abuse of any tack can cause pain & discomfort to a horse...... but I look at it this way, if I have spent the time to get a horse moving off a feel, following cues on the ground in a standard rope halter using techniques that teach a horse, why would I even consider using something that has the capability to try and force a horse into compliance, that is a no win situation......at this point, I emptied my NR mailbox so that there is plenty of room for the flood of emails to that last comment. I didnt post the comment to attack any one trainer, style or piece of tack. I just stated my opinion, an opinion that has been formed over many years thru experiences with different horses and tack.

Cant wait to read other forum members postings, sorry my reply was so long.
cheers all
Rob

[LodgeRopes]

Riding.... (missed that bit :D)

I will leave the legal side of things to others more versed in that side of things, but it is training that controls a horse, not tack. The effectiveness of any individual piece of equipment depends on establishing a desired response to a consistant specific cue. Once this is established and developed to a consistant reliable level..the specific tack is not that important.....as it becomes a feel thing, torso, legs, hands, head, intention all become as important as the tack..in some cases they replace tack completely and the gear is just there so we can keep spending money...lol.

Good luck with it all

Rob