Advice Needed on using Richard Maxwell Pressure Halter

[Murphs]

I've just got the pressure halter to help eventually with loading Ebony into her box. I've watched the video and had a go with Ebony today and got on quite well. However, Ebony seems to think that when she has to go round in circles like she's on the end of a lunge rope - this obviously puts more pressure on herand i'mnot quite sure how to stop her -any tips anyone

[conne the mara]

Hi,

not sure whether you mean stop her going round in circles? I have something similar to a Maxwell pressure halter that I got from the US. I worked with a guy from Wyoming, called Paul Yenny. I did alot of work on the ground with the halter.

Not sure if other people agree but I was taught to move in front of her withers, i.e. if she is on the right rein, step to the right and hold up your right hand in a stop gesture. If she dosen't listen tug slightly on the rope and do the movements again. Some horses pick it up quickly and others will take slightly sharper tugs to get the message.


Don't you think those halters are great!!!! Hope this helps

[Murphs]

thanks- yes i domean stop her going round in circles. i'll try what you suggest tomorrow & see how we go:)

[lleeaannee]

she may be under the impression that's what you want. If you aer behind the horse's shoulder you are, in you body language, driving him on. If you advance to her shoulder you are effectively blocking her movement (in joinup it causes the horse to change direction - nifty). If you block her advance by being level with her head she will then advance when you do.

[Murphs]

tried what you both suggested and she worked a treat.Has responded well to the halter and had the 4 directional controls working well today. Will reaffirmthis learning 1/2 more times then we'll have a go at loading into her box:eek:

[lleeaannee]

Glad it's working. The poor duck probably thought mummy was going mad making her do little circles!!

[conne the mara]

Good luck with the loading. I'm amazed I actually knew something that helped somebody else!!!!!