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Regular
Posts: 94
| My sister runs her barrel horse in a cable tie down(identical to the one in the link below) that applies pressure at the nose, as well as on the poll. I am considering using one of these on my horse too. What are your opinions on these? I realize the cable can be harsh but I like that this tie down doesn't just apply pressure to the nose, because I don't want my horse's nose to brace so much on a regular tie down, if that makes sense
http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/1070/CD3994?utm_source=g...
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  Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
   
Location: Florida.. | what would be the reason you would use it? |
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Regular
Posts: 94
| when I run my gelding, he really sticks his nose up, especially coming out of each barrel. He for sure needs a tie down of some sort |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1119
| No, no he does not. Many horses including the greats "stick their noses out" in the turn. Baarrel horses need their head and noses to balance themselves while turning. The only time a nose sticking out becomes a problem when he begins to hollow his back or resist turning. Even then, the first step should be a vet check and after that the practice pen. Headsetters have their place but should not be used IMO as often as they are. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 540
Location: My own little world :) | kissmybarrelbutt - 2014-07-12 11:35 PM
No, no he does not. Many horses including the greats "stick their noses out" in the turn. Baarrel horses need their head and noses to balance themselves while turning. The only time a nose sticking out becomes a problem when he begins to hollow his back or resist turning. Even then, the first step should be a vet check and after that the practice pen. Headsetters have their place but should not be used IMO as often as they are.
Amen!!! I think tie downs are used far too much and I just don't like the results I've gotten with them...but I am far from a professional. I do however like to use a german martingale occasionally to help with getting a horse's head where I want it. I don't use them constantly but rather keep them on a rotation. So for a few days I work them without one then for a few days I work them with one. I also like to try a lot of different bits and setups with my horses. I figure the more they can become accustomed with the smarter they will be. Also, I would look at what you are doing with your riding at those times. I've found that often when something goes haywire we as the pilots are somehow the culprit. So just maybe slow down for a bit, try some new bits and/or methods, and then see how it goes. Good luck  |
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 Night Chat Leader
Posts: 13150
Location: Home....Smiling M Farms | FYI, these are easy to break.... |
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 Certified Snake Wrangler
Posts: 1672
Location: North MS | Would this be a better option for a horse who when you ask for rate while running flings his head up, hollows out back and almost hits you in the head. I'm currently running in a loomis gag with the martingale made for it and at slow speeds everything is beautiful. If I let him go (no kicking for speed at all) if I try to ease him back at all I get the bracing and head up. Not trying to steal thread but I was about to post this similar question. Went well in a tie down and dutton combo bit recently but I was wanting to teach him to carry himself properly without the aid. I will keep working on all forms of rating exercises but some things must occur at speed and I would like to not fracture a nose accidentally. I definitely want to get rid of the resistance but a safety net would sure make me feel better too. |
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | I'm not a huge fan of cable tiedowns. I really like the rope tiedown with a sliding nose. It's enough to help a horse brace when finishing but it's not intimidating.
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Regular
Posts: 94
| I have one of that kind too, but it is really, really stiff. I should give it a try though before I order a cable one |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| barrelracing? - 2014-07-12 10:54 PM
when I run my gelding, he really sticks his nose up, especially coming out of each barrel. He for sure needs a tie down of some sort
If your horse is popping up when finishing a barrel it generally means you need to give them their head and quit pulling on their face.
Also a cable head setter works like a nerve line, you are cutting into the nerve points, I personally won't use anything cable.
The smaller diameter, the more pain it causes the horse.
For the person who says their horse sticks the nose up and hollows the back out, I would vet check first as my guess is hocks as this is a symptom. If the horse vet checks sound including X-rays, then I would move onto bits.
The more purchase a bit has the more poll control you have, this can keep the nose down.
If I cannot achieve what I want through a bit, then I look at applying a German martingale on a loose setting so they only come into contact with it when they get out of position.
I would focus on exercises at home with collection and extension at all gaits focusing on head set and proper body position.
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