I really like that you bring up all the time the words 'education' and 'skill'. Unfortunately a lot of people lack these two and their horses pay for the ignorance. Thank you for sharing this video.
Anything that restricts head and neck causes physiological issues in the musculature as well as psychological issues. Core stability exercises both on the floor and ridden is much more important and effective then gimmicks which can cause severe damage if used incorrectly. There is is no quick fix to training and anything which says otherwise should be avoided. The science is clear, well done Callie for highlighting these issues
Horses have injured or killed more people than any other animal....Martingales, Breast Collars, grab straps, have saved many riders....I speak from experience...Especially true if you ride an unpredictable Arabian......
@@philweissburg2194 it's bad horsemanship if you have to use restrictive devices you shouldn't be riding that horse. Horses are unpredictable that's the risk we take each time we choose to get on. Horses react through incompetent riders not reading their horse correctly and demonstrating poor horsemanship skills often putting the horse in difficult situations through not having a basic understanding of the nature of the horse.hey but it's a "BAD" horse right? it needs restricting? WRONG it's their nature to react get used to it and stop causing suffering through ignorance and incompetence
@@horsesensetv1259 Remember this:Christopher Reeve, the star of four "Superman" movies, is paralyzed and cannot breathe on his own after shattering two spinal bones in a horse-riding accident, his surgeon said today. He died....or this?Thirty-three-year-old eventer Katharine Morel of Fort Saskatchewan, AB, and her horse, Kerry On, died following a rotational fall at Rocking Horse Winter III Horse Trials in Altoona, FL, on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. Morel and the eight-year-old Thoroughbred mare fell at fence eight of the Intermediate level cross-country course. Or this:?equestrian rider from Canada and her horse are both dead after a fall on Saturday at a Altoona, Florida competition. Katharine Morel and her thoroughbred mare, Kerry On, both died soon after their fall.
@@philweissburg2194yes it's tragic that people die of course it's terrible, but how exactly does restrictive tack prevent rotationals? You're more likely to have an accident if you're fighting with the horse for control or restricting it's sight because it's head is being held down so you can control it. If you can't control a horse you have no business riding it. accidents more often then not happen because people make mistakes in judgement. I've heard top riders say when their rounds were not up to scratch "it was my fault" the horse is not to blame. If you restrict a horse and cause pressure it will fight you, it is painful ! (research the effects of head and neck position in the horse). Riding is inherently dangerous but so is the use of restrictive head and neck devices for both horse and rider safety
@@horsesensetv1259 When you lose control of a horses head...you have lost control of that horse and that 1000 pound animal has the potential of injuring or killing you based on what he does...Mares are the worst.
I too, Callie, am a minimalist. In hand work, flat work that is videoed, and a consistent trainer with strong knowledge has helped me develop the larger retired Thoroughbreds. I prefer the bigger guys for no particular reason. Just like them a lot. I cringe when I see riders using a ton of hardware on a horse. I like your approach on figuring out the behavior rather than "fixing it" with more equipment. I've had good success with TB's using a minimalist approach! I look forward to catching up on my videos, and to next weeks lesson!
I find draw reins to be a very good tool for my mare who was trained to ride at an older age (10) and would fight the bit often. I make sure to use minimal contact and let my seat be the ultimate guiding factor. I rarely use the draw reins now because she has learned to be supple and they are no longer needed. I completely agree that in the wrong hands these tools can be hurtful and produce negative behaviors.
Great advice and thank you for talking about it! In the proper hands a “training aid” can be effective. However, too often I see them used as a quick fix for a behaviour that the Rider wants. Double bridles too soon, or lunging equipment to force a body position of collection too soon for example. I have used draw reins (attached at sides) when 1st taking my OTTB rescue out on trail or large arena if I felt I needed a bit more “stopping” power while outside - especially in Spring. Bit was a simple double-jointed snaffle, comfortable flash & noseband (ie. not cranked tight), and draw reins engaged only if seat/voice/reins ignored. Else they were “there if needed” but not used to force a false collection or frame. This may have been considered “wrong” by some, but it gave me the confidence needed to have a safe and enjoyable ride for both me and my horse. And yes, if I felt she was “energetic” that day, I would lunge first and let the urge/need to gallop disperse before I got on!
I would normally never ever ever advocate for the use of draw reins. But. My horse has learned to throw his head up and run away when I ride him in an open space when I take a contact to ask him to slow. He occasionally does this in the arena too when he is excited. I have tried giving him his head and bending him to a stop, and that does work to stop him, but it doesn't solve the original problem because still when I take a contact in canter and need him to slow - for example to change leads when jumping, he still does this. He does this in any snaffle bit I use, and I have tried many types!! He has had the dentist and physio, his saddle has been checked, so pain has been ruled out. I don't want to resort to using a bit with leverage, so I was thinking of schooling in draw reins, just a handful of times, just so he learns that throwing his head up as an evasion is not the answer. I would not be using them to force an outline, just so he learns he can't do this. I am a good rider but a little nervous when he does this because I feel out of control. I know it's my fault that I caused this behavior but I can't think of another way to fix it
This sounds to me like a behavioral issue, not an issue that can be solved simply with different gadgets. You make stop him from throwing his head and bolting on that que, but you won't address whatever the root of the problem is. Why does he bolt? Why does this stimuli excite him and make him run off? Even if he's obedient for you with the draw reins, he will still be holding onto those emotions, and they will have to come out in other ways eventually. For me, I would consider it a safety issue to mask obvious signs of a worried horse through the use of aversive tools. Its like they say with dogs, do not punish the dog for growling or some day you will be bit without warning.
I use a training fork only.i find if it's the correct length it only corrects when the head n neck go up beyond the reins alones ability to direct the head down.
Years ago, I on-site leased a chestnut OTTB mare for trail riding. She was given to me with a set of running martingales. Once I forgot to put them on...and never put them on again after that day.
@@philweissburg2194 That's hilarious. You do know that reins, unlike seatbelts, are not actually a physical restraint because the horse got four feet on the ground while you got zero? Holy shit! If you don't have the mind, you don't have the feet, no matter what gadgetry you put on. I hope you don't ride a real horse and stick to cars.
@@matthiasweiss1144 You want to deny the obvious of injury and death do to Horses reaction to stupid stuff...actor Richard Gere was on an interview show with his wrist & arm bandaged...his horse threw him and he landed up on a large stone.....tell me U know a rider who has never been thrown from a horse...and I will show you a liar....
@@philweissburg2194 Let me guess - he would never have fallen with a martingale or tie-down, right? Because that's your argument: martingales are a "safety" device. Do not change the goal posts - this is not a video about the risks of horseback riding, but about the uselessness of mechanical gadgets to cover up gaps in skill and training.
How did you know? This is probably the mostly timely notification in the history of my phone. I am trying out new saddles and this week it was mentioned that I should try a stronger bit and a flash on my headstrong guy.
Flashes should only be used to assist bit positioning. Stronger bits only serve to make horses even harder in the mouth. You’re far better of working on lateral flexion and responsiveness to your seat. A bit and flash won’t solve your problem, I’ve been there
What are your thoughts on the German Martingale / Market Harborough? I have a TB and I spend 45 mins getting on the bit and tracking up. I hate extra things... but I am worried that he is not working the right muscles! When he is on the bit he is super soft...
I am considering using a running martingale occasionally on my ottb mare. She oftentimes puts her head up and uses the muscles on the bottom of her neck, and i am worried she’ll develop the wrong muscles and then it will be even harder to correct her... Any tips?
I have 2 leasehorses, and I use draw reins on the side on both. I want to stop using them, but I'm scared to ask my instructor. Almost everyone uses draw reins at my stable, and my instructor recommends them to everyone. The few people who don't use draw reins own their horse. Even if I can convince her to allow me to stop using draw reins, I know that she's not going to be supportive and I'm scared that she's not going to instruct me with the same energy. I hope this made sense, english is my 2nd language :)
Right away Callie I have big problems with your vocabulary - EXTRA EQUIPMENT is NOT what it is - more like TORTURE DEVICES or INSTRUMENTS OF PAIN. You are WRONG WRONG WRONG Callie, about these horrible devices! What you are supporting is a way for people to be lazy with their horses, and by causing extreme suffering to the horse, the human will get the desired effect that they want. You have just made it o.k. For people that soar horses to call their abuse a training tool!!!! ☹️🤮👎😡😡🐎
I really like that you bring up all the time the words 'education' and 'skill'. Unfortunately a lot of people lack these two and their horses pay for the ignorance. Thank you for sharing this video.
Anything that restricts head and neck causes physiological issues in the musculature as well as psychological issues. Core stability exercises both on the floor and ridden is much more important and effective then gimmicks which can cause severe damage if used incorrectly. There is is no quick fix to training and anything which says otherwise should be avoided. The science is clear, well done Callie for highlighting these issues
Horses have injured or killed more people than any other animal....Martingales, Breast Collars, grab straps, have saved many riders....I speak from experience...Especially true if you ride an unpredictable Arabian......
@@philweissburg2194 it's bad horsemanship if you have to use restrictive devices you shouldn't be riding that horse. Horses are unpredictable that's the risk we take each time we choose to get on. Horses react through incompetent riders not reading their horse correctly and demonstrating poor horsemanship skills often putting the horse in difficult situations through not having a basic understanding of the nature of the horse.hey but it's a "BAD" horse right? it needs restricting? WRONG it's their nature to react get used to it and stop causing suffering through ignorance and incompetence
@@horsesensetv1259 Remember this:Christopher Reeve, the star of four "Superman" movies, is paralyzed and cannot breathe on his own after shattering two spinal bones in a horse-riding accident, his surgeon said today. He died....or this?Thirty-three-year-old eventer Katharine Morel of Fort Saskatchewan, AB, and her horse, Kerry On, died following a rotational fall at Rocking Horse Winter III Horse Trials in Altoona, FL, on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. Morel and the eight-year-old Thoroughbred mare fell at fence eight of the Intermediate level cross-country course. Or this:?equestrian rider from Canada and her horse are both dead after a fall on Saturday at a Altoona, Florida competition. Katharine Morel and her thoroughbred mare, Kerry On, both died soon after their fall.
@@philweissburg2194yes it's tragic that people die of course it's terrible, but how exactly does restrictive tack prevent rotationals? You're more likely to have an accident if you're fighting with the horse for control or restricting it's sight because it's head is being held down so you can control it. If you can't control a horse you have no business riding it. accidents more often then not happen because people make mistakes in judgement. I've heard top riders say when their rounds were not up to scratch "it was my fault" the horse is not to blame. If you restrict a horse and cause pressure it will fight you, it is painful ! (research the effects of head and neck position in the horse). Riding is inherently dangerous but so is the use of restrictive head and neck devices for both horse and rider safety
@@horsesensetv1259 When you lose control of a horses head...you have lost control of that horse and that 1000 pound animal has the potential of injuring or killing you based on what he does...Mares are the worst.
I really appreciate your approach to horse training. There is no gadget that can fix a behavior problem. Only positive work and time and patience can.
I too, Callie, am a minimalist. In hand work, flat work that is videoed, and a consistent trainer with strong knowledge has helped me develop the larger retired Thoroughbreds. I prefer the bigger guys for no particular reason. Just like them a lot. I cringe when I see riders using a ton of hardware on a horse. I like your approach on figuring out the behavior rather than "fixing it" with more equipment. I've had good success with TB's using a minimalist approach! I look forward to catching up on my videos, and to next weeks lesson!
Very professional and educational video!
Love your beautiful horse 😘😘🐴
Another great video. You really do know your stuff and it’s all so relevant for me 😊
Very well said!! Thank you!!!! Respect!!!
I find draw reins to be a very good tool for my mare who was trained to ride at an older age (10) and would fight the bit often. I make sure to use minimal contact and let my seat be the ultimate guiding factor. I rarely use the draw reins now because she has learned to be supple and they are no longer needed. I completely agree that in the wrong hands these tools can be hurtful and produce negative behaviors.
Great advice and thank you for talking about it! In the proper hands a “training aid” can be effective. However, too often I see them used as a quick fix for a behaviour that the Rider wants. Double bridles too soon, or lunging equipment to force a body position of collection too soon for example. I have used draw reins (attached at sides) when 1st taking my OTTB rescue out on trail or large arena if I felt I needed a bit more “stopping” power while outside - especially in Spring. Bit was a simple double-jointed snaffle, comfortable flash & noseband (ie. not cranked tight), and draw reins engaged only if seat/voice/reins ignored. Else they were “there if needed” but not used to force a false collection or frame. This may have been considered “wrong” by some, but it gave me the confidence needed to have a safe and enjoyable ride for both me and my horse. And yes, if I felt she was “energetic” that day, I would lunge first and let the urge/need to gallop disperse before I got on!
I would normally never ever ever advocate for the use of draw reins. But. My horse has learned to throw his head up and run away when I ride him in an open space when I take a contact to ask him to slow. He occasionally does this in the arena too when he is excited. I have tried giving him his head and bending him to a stop, and that does work to stop him, but it doesn't solve the original problem because still when I take a contact in canter and need him to slow - for example to change leads when jumping, he still does this. He does this in any snaffle bit I use, and I have tried many types!! He has had the dentist and physio, his saddle has been checked, so pain has been ruled out. I don't want to resort to using a bit with leverage, so I was thinking of schooling in draw reins, just a handful of times, just so he learns that throwing his head up as an evasion is not the answer. I would not be using them to force an outline, just so he learns he can't do this. I am a good rider but a little nervous when he does this because I feel out of control. I know it's my fault that I caused this behavior but I can't think of another way to fix it
This sounds to me like a behavioral issue, not an issue that can be solved simply with different gadgets. You make stop him from throwing his head and bolting on that que, but you won't address whatever the root of the problem is. Why does he bolt? Why does this stimuli excite him and make him run off? Even if he's obedient for you with the draw reins, he will still be holding onto those emotions, and they will have to come out in other ways eventually. For me, I would consider it a safety issue to mask obvious signs of a worried horse through the use of aversive tools. Its like they say with dogs, do not punish the dog for growling or some day you will be bit without warning.
I use a training fork only.i find if it's the correct length it only corrects when the head n neck go up beyond the reins alones ability to direct the head down.
People always say “it should only be used by good riders. BUT if you are a good rider you dont need that to do it?”
Years ago, I on-site leased a chestnut OTTB mare for trail riding. She was given to me with a set of running martingales. Once I forgot to put them on...and never put them on again after that day.
I bet if you did not use your seat belts in your car or truck for a year or more...U would be okay too....its all about safety.
@@philweissburg2194 That's hilarious. You do know that reins, unlike seatbelts, are not actually a physical restraint because the horse got four feet on the ground while you got zero? Holy shit! If you don't have the mind, you don't have the feet, no matter what gadgetry you put on.
I hope you don't ride a real horse and stick to cars.
@@matthiasweiss1144 You want to deny the obvious of injury and death do to Horses reaction to stupid stuff...actor Richard Gere was on an interview show with his wrist & arm bandaged...his horse threw him and he landed up on a large stone.....tell me U know a rider who has never been thrown from a horse...and I will show you a liar....
@@philweissburg2194 Let me guess - he would never have fallen with a martingale or tie-down, right? Because that's your argument: martingales are a "safety" device.
Do not change the goal posts - this is not a video about the risks of horseback riding, but about the uselessness of mechanical gadgets to cover up gaps in skill and training.
What are your thoughts on Vienna reins??
How did you know? This is probably the mostly timely notification in the history of my phone. I am trying out new saddles and this week it was mentioned that I should try a stronger bit and a flash on my headstrong guy.
Flashes should only be used to assist bit positioning. Stronger bits only serve to make horses even harder in the mouth. You’re far better of working on lateral flexion and responsiveness to your seat. A bit and flash won’t solve your problem, I’ve been there
What are your thoughts on the German Martingale / Market Harborough? I have a TB and I spend 45 mins getting on the bit and tracking up. I hate extra things... but I am worried that he is not working the right muscles! When he is on the bit he is super soft...
I too use the German Martingale on a leased horse. I'm not familiar with this tack and wonder how it works and the why?
I am considering using a running martingale occasionally on my ottb mare. She oftentimes puts her head up and uses the muscles on the bottom of her neck, and i am worried she’ll develop the wrong muscles and then it will be even harder to correct her... Any tips?
Correct groudwork?
I have 2 leasehorses, and I use draw reins on the side on both. I want to stop using them, but I'm scared to ask my instructor. Almost everyone uses draw reins at my stable, and my instructor recommends them to everyone. The few people who don't use draw reins own their horse.
Even if I can convince her to allow me to stop using draw reins, I know that she's not going to be supportive and I'm scared that she's not going to
instruct me with the same energy.
I hope this made sense, english is my 2nd language :)
Right away Callie I have big problems with your vocabulary - EXTRA EQUIPMENT is NOT what it is - more like TORTURE DEVICES or INSTRUMENTS OF PAIN.
You are WRONG WRONG WRONG Callie, about these horrible devices! What you are supporting is a way for people to be lazy with their horses, and by causing extreme suffering to the horse, the human will get the desired effect that they want. You have just made it o.k. For people that soar horses to call their abuse a training tool!!!! ☹️🤮👎😡😡🐎