Natural Horsemanship Equipment
Natural horsemanship is all about developing a more effective
and positive relationship with your horse. This can only develop
from communication and mutual respect not fear and control. There
are many trainers and horsemen out there today who use varying
techniques and styles but it all boils down to this: learning how
to communicate, using the horses' language and becoming an
effective leader.
This also involves stripping the use of 'equipment' down to its'
bare minimum, taking away all the layers of control and replacing
them with simple communication tools. The main tools used in
natural horsemanship training are:
Rope
Halter
Dually
Halter
Training Lines
(12' and 22')
Carrot Stick and
Savvy String
Giddy Up Rope/Whip
Whop
All
these tools are available from our shop. If you have any
questions please email me on dawn@dragon-equine.co.uk
or call me on 07725 754567.
Rope Halter
This has to be the most versatile piece of equipment for a horseman. Usually made from marine grade rope, the rope halter is strong yet humane. It is thin enough to maintain effective contract but pliable and soft enough so that it does not rub or create sores. The double thickness around the poll and nose protect these sensitive areas from pressure cuts. The rope halter teaches the horse to yield to its own pressure unlike the average nylon halter which horses tend to lean on. Rope halters are used in all areas of training and can even be used to ride in (a basic form of bitless bridle).
Dually Halter
The Dually halter designed by Monty Roberts
(www.montyroberts.com) is a training halter which rewards the horse
for working in partnership and works on a pressure and release
mechanism. The message conveyed with the Dually halter is very much
'black and white' making it clear for the horse to understand
accepted and non-accepted behaviour. The Dually looks very much
like a normal nylon halter but it has the addition of a ring
attachment to a second noseband which can be used for schooling.
This halter is very useful in that it can be left on for travelling
simply by moving the lead rein
to the standard halter ring attachment.
Training Lines
Made from soft marine grade rope, they are usually used in two lengths of 12' and 22'. Made with an inner and outer core these ropes make it possible to send subtle energy and directional cues through to the horse. The smaller 12' line is extremely versatile and can be used to lead, give cues, desensitise and can even become a set of reins to ride with. The 22' line gives more flexibility of movement at greater distances and can be useful when dealing with difficult or flighty horses.
Carrot Stick and Savvy String
The carrot stick is made from fibreglass with a rubber handle
and savvy string attached. Used as an extension of the arm, the
carrot stick is very useful for helping to maintain your space and
give directional cues to the horse. The carrot stick is not used as
a whip and should never be used as a
punishment. Average stick length is around 4 foot with a 6' savvy
string attached. Can also be used to apply rhythmic pressure and
desensitise the horse.
Giddy Up Rope/Whip Wop
The giddy up rope is a thick, soft plaited cotton rope that is frayed at one end and has a loop at the other which slips over the rider's wrist. Used a visual or auditory cue, it is very effective at developing forward movement. For the lazy or de-motivated horse a flick from side to side is usually all that is needed to set him into motion. This is a great tool which is used to replace the whip, which can only be good!
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