Tie Down Question

[DjxZ-G]

I was not sure where to post this, so sorry for it being in the wrong place!

I just recently bought a new mare. She used to throw her head straight out with nose pointing up. I spent a few weeks drilling on lowering her head, giving to the bit, bending at the pole and such and no doubt she is much better!!

Now for my question. She used to run in a tie down. The lady I bought her from said she had no problems running her without on. I know she was wearing a headstall/nose-band tie down.

Is it okay to continue running her without the tie down? I have not seen it effect her running or her times.

And can someone please educate me on the difference between a poll tie-down and a regular headstall/nose-band type?

Thanks in advance!
DJ

[cominupthealley]

I wouldnt see why if she runs fine without one u would need to put one on her. A pole or headsetter tiedown works more on the pole than the nose. The primary pressure is from the crown peice and the noseband is secondary. I stick in on horses that have been pulled on so much they dont root out rather they bring their head and neck up and back at you too get away from pressure. I generally go to a lighter bit when I first introduce them to it as they generally arent expectin pressure when their out is up there so they get a little tight till they learn they cant go there. The regular tiedown works more for a horse that roots with his nose. Id rather not ride with either but sometimes u have to. Hope that helps!

[alisanicole0130]

Its is great that you dont have to keep using a tie down!
Horses can run as free with one on, so if she is doing well without it, then keep up the good work!

The brain chain, or tiedown that work from the poll is to lower the horses actual head...not nose. It helps him understand where he needs to keep the level of his entire head. The noseband tiedown keeps his "nose" lower..

My main goal when I get a horse in that has head tossing, pointing, or any other sort of issue like that is to get the horse to understand that the only release they will get from the bit is with a low set head. Once the horse understands my point, then a martingale will help re-inforce it on the barrel pattern!

Hope this made some sense!
good luck!

ALISA CURRY HORSE TRAINING SVC
www.oldriverfarms.com