So its the end of our first week, four days actually. One of my concerns was that Harley wouldn’t bolt on me up here. More controlled area, out of his element and the like. Not to worry! I cranked up the pressure to see if I could get him to bolt so I could know if my techniques would work, and he’s bolted. Mental note to myself for the future- dont try to make horses bolt if you aren’t looking.
<< Brush off dust and carry on>>
So, per many requests, I want to add pictures that help illustrate my last posting describing the technique to discourage pull backs. Again, I want to mention that pulling back at the tie rack is the same behavior (misbehavior) he’s demonstrating while being led. And, breaking away is a dangerous behavior that, in Harley’s case, partnership techniques, although beneficial in establishing a positive relationship, have not been effective in stopping the problem. And to remind readers; Harley resides at a huge boarding stable of close to 200 horses, providing limited safe areas for his owner to practice.
Proper fitting of girth rope
This photo illustrates the proper way to tie Harley using the girth rope. Note that the girth rope (yellow) is threaded through the bottom ring of the halter where the lead line is snapped. The lead line is tied to a rubber inner tube and the girth rope is tied to a break away string on the tie ring. Both are tied with quick release knots. The length of the ropes are adjusted so that when he pulls back enough to create tension on the leadline/inner tube, the girth rope will just begin to tighten. If he responds to the leadline pressure and steps forward the girth rope will not engage. Should he pull back against the inner tube, the girth rope will tighten, causing him to move forward to release the pressure.
Stay tuned for the follow up posting descibing our leading techniques.
I’ve noticed that most of the times that he’s bolted are when I am not completely attentive. Last time I let his feet get a bit too far ahead of me and he did a “slo mo” bolt for some hay 8′ away. No explosion, no kick, I just lost some focus and next thing I knew had the last 6″ of lead line slipping through my fingers…….
Thanks for letting me in on the experience without having to live it! I really appreciate just knowing that other techniques exist, since Sunny did her pull-back thing. Although (cross fingers here), she hasn’t done so for several weeks now, and she’s been tied to the trailer for up to 2.5 hours. Whoo hoo! Good luck with Harley!