Halter chain question

[DJ EndurancE]

I was just wondering what kind of halter (stud) chain is the most gentle: One with large links, or one with small links.

[Peace]

Are you planning to use a stud chain on your horse? If so, may I ask why? Maybe there's a better alternative.:)

[Wally]

Leather is better than chain.

[CMR]

A stud chain is just a horrible way to cover up a training flaw. I would advise to work through it with training instead of gadgets.

[shaiarabians]

chain is absolute last resort and there is no kind chain.

I suggest you get someone who is knowledgeble to come out and assist you with some tools to fix your problem

Liesl

[Katie_85]

Stud chains aren't always horrible, they are like any other training implement. Useful when necessary and used properly.

[Lindsayanne]

Stud chains can be an excellent tool. Just like a whip or spurs, a stud chain- when correctly used- is actually much kinder than the alternative (and certainly safer!) I've found most natural horsemanship folks turn purple at the mention of a stud chain, but most have never actually seen a stud chain used correctly. Used correctly it's more effective and more kind than a rope halter IMO.

I was having serious respect problems with my new horse last summer (like, literally being drug off my feet and shoved into walls). My trainer suggested a stud chain and then spent a half hour or so demonstrating then instructing me in how to correctly use a one. I took my horse home and didn't ride at all for a week, just did 15-20 minutes of halter work with the stud chain (http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com/horse-forums/showthread.php?t=52712). By the end of the second session with a stud chain when I took his halter off he was following me, turning with me, and stopping with me- all halterless. After that week I put away the stud chain and tried riding him again and literally had the best ride I'd ever had on him. I can now do any sort of halter pattern completely without a halter- let alone a stud chain- with this horse- but the minute we get into a situation where he's out of control the stud chain goes on and the weight of that chain- often without me ever having to shank it- has him obedient and under control instantly.

The kindest and most effective stud chain goes over the nose and has large links that when laid on a flat surface link together in a flattened (rather than perfectly round) chain.

[1 morejump]

Lindsayanne is right, the stud chain is a very good tool. However like many tools (whips, spurs, ect.) it can be misused. Go for one with larger links and to start out even more gentel run the chain around the chin strap on the halter that way it won't hit skin as hard. But do yourself a favor and learn how to use it properly!

[BeachRiding]

Yes, it can be a VERY gentle,useful tool! Small chained is harsher than larger I believe.

[DJ EndurancE]

Thanks for the help! :D

Do not worry, I dearly love horses, and would never hurt one with one of these! :eek: The reason I was asking is because I hire myself out to horse owners, to do stall cleaning, barn work, etc, and not too long ago I had an emergency situation with a half-wild 1 year old stallion. He was halter broken, but didn't know how to lead correctly. I had no chain, and during the few times that I led him out of his stall, I was bitten, dragged, got my foot stepped on twice, and almost RUN OVER about 4 times. :eek: :eek: :eek: I finally told the owner that I wouldn't clean the stall unless the stallion was taken out first. :mad: :mad:

I don't want to have that happen again, so I thought it would be a good idea to be prepared. (I DO know to use a chain correctly.) I would ONLY use a chain if the handling of the horse became dangerous, and I would definitely notify the owners beforehand. Otherwise I would sooner use a rope halter to correct any behavior problems. :cool:

By the way, I just thought I'd throw this out, maybe some of you already do this:

When you remove a chain from your horse, always rub the areas on his face where the chain might have caused pressure. This lets him know that you have no intentions of causing him pain. :) (Any pain he receives is of his own doing, i.e. charging ahead of you while being lead.)

[Skyhuntress]

Go with larger links. Or leather strap works just as well and it a bit milder

[DJ EndurancE]

A leather strap works just as well and it's a bit milder.

I've never heard of that before. Maybe that would be a better investment. Thanks for the idea! :)

[Wally]

It's a sham he hasn't been taught his manners earlier, you are the one who will suffer, and in the long run he will.

I'm afraid I don't use one, We lead most of our sallions about by the hisr of thier chinny, chin chin!