Moving back, this barn is a no-go

[welkin]

They people are super nice, the BM is super nice and is so accommodating to help D, but its just not the place for us :/

Let's just say while the people are nice, the type of riding and acceptable levels of horseman ship are somewhat frightening, and I'd rather work a little harding taking care of D and knowing I'm not going to get run over by a loose horse with its head tied to the stirrup that freaks out.

We're moving back next month :/

[BoyleHeightsKid]

Oh wow... yeah I've passed on barns because their training methods were questionable even though my horse would have only been boarded not in training.

I can't be around stuff like that.

[Unbound]

I read a thing on COTH awhile back about a trainer that left a horse, unattended, in the indoor, with head tied to stirrup while others were working horses in the arena....is this the same barn, perhaps? :-(

Sorry that it's not working out for you. Sounds like a potentially dangerous situation.

[welkin]

Not the same barn, but at least this version the trainer was in the arena! They're all really nice and super caring about D, but its just not working :/

[Lisa]

That is definitely a western training thing.

[ZenRider]

Sorry it's didn't work out.
Then again, maybe you should stay, but invest in a good video camera. Some people, not me, actually make money off their YouTube videos.

[bonesmom]

One time a fellow boarder and myself were using the ring, working on stuff we'd done in our lessons, when another boarder came in, with a rope tied to the halter of his filly, and proceeded to gallop her around bareback not heeding to any sort of ring etiquette. It was unbelievable. I had to excuse myself from the ring, wasn't worth getting hurt over for myself or Bones.

He was asked to leave soon after that.

And yeah, good for you for deciding to leave. If it's not right, don't force it.

[niaru]

I learn something new every day...Head tied to stirrup? Really?
Wow.

[ZenRider]

Feb 16, 2013 8:30:18 GMT -5 niaru said:

I learn something new every day...Head tied to stirrup? Really?
Wow.

Some tie to the tail, it's an old cowboy technique, usually used by guys breaking out 20 or more colts as a time saving method. I don't think it was ever a preferred method, just one born from haste. It's also one of those methods that had been misused by some that don't understand the principle, but read magazines. Often tie the head too tight, too long, or in one case I heard of would actually make the horse move with it's head tied like that, likely tied to far around, often causing the horse to fall down. Make the horse get up, repeat. (that's the barn Guy was supposed to have had professional barrel training I don't know if that woman had anything to do with him directly though. Then again, that would explain a lot.) It's not a method I see me ever using, as I'm not breaking out a large group of horses for sale or range use.

[Pam]

Tying to a stirrup (or ring on a surcingle) is an easy way to teach a horse to give to the bit IF it's done properly. There are situations where it can be a good thing. If you have a horse that is easily distracted, putting him in a stall by himself can be extremely helpful. It allows a horse to figure out for himself how to relieve the pressure by bending without interference from a human, other horses, birds, tractors, any number of things that can take his mind from the task at hand.

First and foremost though, should someone ever decide to use this method it should be done in a stall, not where a horse can get into trouble if he gets loose. Number two, the head should never be tied so tight that the horse can't get relief by the smallest of giving. Those who tie a horse so tight that he can't get relief will actually make things worse, teaching the horse that no matter what he does, the pressure won't go away. In this case, he will learn one of two things: either to ignore the pressure completely, or go hell bent for leather and FIGHT it.

[diane]

I totally agree with you Pam.. I have worked on a few thoroughbred farms in Ocala Fl. and there a bunch of riders broke babies this way,, but always did it in a stall. they moved from farm to farm morning and afternoon sessions. it was fun to watch ,, I never tied their heads too short or too tight. and they came out ok.

[Lisa]

Everyone has different training techniques. I was once working max in the indoor. I was ground driving him, cause he was still really young. I had the lines running from the bit, through the stirrups to my hands. The stirrups helped not letting the lines hit the ground, and get tangled. Some girls came in and yelled at me for this. I told them I don't criticize you for your training techniques, so don't judge me. I would tie max to his stall wall to help him with patience. He was a 2 year old that could tie to a trailer at shows without freaking out because of it!

[Pam]

Lisa, You should have asked them why the rings are on a surcingle, lol. Same thing. I do that too. Also, many "english trainers" use side reins. There's no difference if they are tied to a stirrup or to a ring on a "proper surcingle". Using two at a time helps teach them also to break at the poll. I just prefer to do it in a stall and let the horse concentrate on one thing at a time. It's a place he's more familiar with so much less easily distracted.

And "patience training" is one of the first things they learned when I use to train. It's a GREAT thing for ANY horse to learn, western, english, driving. Being able to stand tied will help them countless times throughout their lifetime.

[niaru]

Lisa what you're describing is just long-lining to me, nothing unusual/bad about it.

I guess when I read "tied to the stirrups" I was picturing the horse's head turned sharply to the side and tightly tied.
Never mind, carry on.

[Lisa]

Your right Claire. We do tie the head to the side, but it isn't tight. I know I would do this with Max and he was able to bend his neck and got immediate relief. Kinda like the exercise with the lead rope, and the handler holding the lead rope towards the shoulder, as soon as he bends he gets relief, except the other way they figure it out by themselves.

Pam, we were at a horse show, and a rainstorm came up. Max stood quietly, with another mare, until the weather cleared, and everyone asked how I got a 3 year old to do that!! lol

I was at a natural horsemanship barn, and they had never seen some of these training practices, and thought since I wasn't chasing Max around with a stick, that it had to be wrong. To each their own!!! I didn't stay there cause I wasn't abusing my horse, and didn't need their drama!