Dually Halter V Stallion Chain

vels mum

vels mum

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Jul 1, 2008
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I have always used a basic headcollar on Vel, I have a rope halter but have found this is not strong enough for him when he decides to test his strength against me, instead I have attached a stallion chain to his basic headcollar, for me this has always been my lifeline. When I feel he is testing me I'll attach it, use it for a week or so then put it away. On average i'd say its brought out one week out of 6-8.
Ive heard of a dually headcollar but unsure what it does, does it work the same as a stallion chain but with rope attachment.
I feel there is a bit of a stima attached to using a stallion chain but I believe that as most gadgets if used the correct way they can be beneficial, only used the wrong way which |I dont can they cause the horse pain.

What is your opinion on stallion chains and dually's?

ps. Vel is a 2 year old 16h Friesian who is mega strong when he wants to be, I am doing lots of groundwork with him, but sometimes leading from park to stable he test his strength out on me if this happens and he is not wearing his chain he wins leaving me with zilch control!
 
They presumably work on the same principal ie. tightening over the nose but I would imagine the chain is much more severe. The dually has twin (I think) 10mm ropes so will exert much lower point pressure for the same amount of tension on the lead rope. As such it might not be 'enough' for your horse, they aren't the most severe halter available on the market.

As you're probably well aware it's not about the halter, it's about getting your horse to stay with you mentally, which also means making sure we are doing the right things too.
 
I have a DUALLY and had to use it with the pressure rope for a while to keep both myself and my Horse safe, back in the Winter when the excitement of coming in on an evening, with the other Horses all got a bit too much and she spent some time on her back legs.

Personally I think its a good, if expensive, bit of kit, we worked with it a few times, and I continued to bring her in with the others until the 'excitement' wore off and it all became part of her usual routine again. I preferred it to wrapping leadrein round nose as you can release the pressure as soon as the Horse complies as opposed to having to physically loosen it, or risking it slipping and restricting the Horses breathing. To be fair to my Girl it wasn't really being NAUGHTY, she is Young and was just 'excited' at coming in with all the others and at the prospect of FOOD.....but as I say within a few times of use she settled AND got used to coming in at the same time as the others.

Worked for me in a couple of short sessions, allowing my girl to realise it was easier to comply and me to stay safe, along with the other Horses and handlers whilst she was on the end of a lungeline. I certainly do not think its at the 'severe' end of the controlling halters, and will also
be using it to take her out and about off of the Yard, just in case......rather than risk loosing her on the end of a normal headcollar. She has been bitted, but has not been 'lead' in a bit as yet. Personally I think it will be kinder to take her out on the DUALLY rather than in her bridle/bit, as if she does have a scare and attempts to 'take off' I really do not want to be hanging off her mouth. IF the horse is well behaved/no incidents there is no pressure whatsoever.

You can use it as a normal headcollar as well, and indeed can use it as a bitless bridle if so wished. So I guess if you use it to its full
potential it is NOT so expensive.

I have never used a stallion chain so really cannot comment on that I am
afraid.
 
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Yann said:
As you're probably well aware it's not about the halter, it's about getting your horse to stay with you mentally, which also means making sure we are doing the right things too.
Click to expand...

Yup, once Vel is connected with me and thinks about what he is doing and is prepared to listen we work together well. However being a just turned 2 year old his attention span can go out the window when being led to the stable for food, this we are working on but I do need to stay safe and need an quick and effective aid to help me tell him not to run me over or bash me into the fence! :eek:

We are making steady progress and I would not say he has any behavioural issues is just a young male horse who needs guidance to realise humans need respect not just when out in hand but for journeys to the feed bucket too!
 
You need it for the same thing I did then;)

I think it would be well worth you giving one a try. We all appreciate that 'training' is the answer, but sometimes you need to take
extra measures to keep both yourself and your Horse safe, whilst working on the issue. My girl is 2 as well.
 
Sorry Yann, didn't think you were being judgemental at all, point you made is a very valid one, but sometimes you need some extra 'help' to get to the
point where the Horse WILL listen
 
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Yann - no didnt find your comment judgemental, :)

I would like to know ppl's opinions on stallion chains, as I dont hear of many ppl using them, but as I mentioned I use one on Vel for control.

They are certainly cheaper than a dually!

Fairlady - I did not realise you could use the dually in 3 different ways, I may have a look on ebay and see if I can pick one up at a bargain price. Thanks for the info ;)
 
My mare got into a really bad habit of bolting as soon as she saw the open gate for the field - We tried everything from pressure halters to bribery! Having owned her for years without any issues I still don;t know where the habit came from....But it got very dangerous - the field is across a road! So we used the stallion chain on and off over Winter and again at turn out time in spring....She now has retuned to being safe and sensible to turn out, so it did the trick - I was always against them in the past but every other option had been tried...So I guess for her and our safety needs must.
 
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