i use a rope halter on my gelding. we've never had a problem. i just would like to know if i can use it while raising my filly. she's now 21mo. old. i don't plan to use a bit on her ever. people are telling me all kinds of things, but i trust you, so if you have a minute i'd appreciate the help. are the walmart rope halters o.k. or do i need a different one? thank you.
Around the 12:35 mark, i felt as if you would make a good rapper lol :) you have saved my horse. If i didn't know any better, i would have bought the metal harnesses with the buckles and the long shanked bits, thanks, AGAIN, Rick.
Bitless IS the better answer. However, the only thing I disagree with is that bitless is possible every time with every horse. Anyone that's trained as long as you have is bound to have come across horses that learned to ignore their noses even with soft hands. It does happen. I love horses too, and I get just as mad at sore mouths. Start with the least pressure possible, and stop when it works(we agree there). But, you can't quit just because the next step might be a bit...cont.
A person can ride just as soft with a bit, but if you need that quick extra "bump" when he tries to ignore his nose, a halter or a soft bosal doesn't have it. Not to mention the times when there just isn't enough room for error to take the chance. I guess what I'm getting at is that while bitless is preferred, bits aren't necessarily evil...rough hands and stupidity is. Btw, I can't be a witch...I never could get a broom to fly!
I like you are in my fifties and getting back in to riding. How hard is it to transition a horse who is used to a bit, to go bitless. Im in total agreement with you in pain vs pressure compliance. are there intial control issues that must be worked thru. im currently workin witha 8 year old Quater hose who has been treated like a big puppy dog , not a horse. (not ridden) for the last few years.
I'm glad that you support bitless riding. I use a bozal on my 5 year old mare and she does amazing, she's much more relaxed and responsive. Everyone told me that I was stupid for even trying a bozal because she'd just run off and I'd get hurt. She never has. Whatever works for her, works for me. So thank you for these great videos. Your honesty is something I admire :)
Also I wanted to say I love your videos and point of view, I lost my Moon Dance @ the age of 36 this past Christmas Eve and in my need of a horse fix I turned to YouTube (its still to painful to go to the barn) and came across your videos. I love your attitude towards the horse and how you talk to them :-) I wish there where more people like u.
Again I just wanted to correct your comment about the "constricting noseband". I wasn't trying to change your mind on it nor was I offended that you didn't like it but to to the people watching your videos and that are on the fence about going bitless and are nervous about using just a rope halter (silly I know but they do exist) they might otherwise try this instead of continuing to use a stupid bit.
I own the Dr. Cook's bitless bridle and a rope halter and love them both. Your description of Dr. Cook's constricting noseband is incorrect in NO WAY does it tighten on the horses nose, just as a English bridle's noseband (it buckles and looks exactly the same) or a rope halter's noseband it aids in pressure but never tightens over the nose. The crossover straps do go thru a ring on either side of the nose band but that is just a anchor poi
@AmandaEliseM : If it works for you that is fine. I think there is less room for error and confusion with a rope halter, it is clearer and more direct with less chance of things catching or getting into rings or cross overs. To me simple is better with less chance of crap going wrong. Also why make a horse or you have to change from halter to cross over if the halter works? If you don't get benefit to cook thing, why have two? personal choice, for the horse, I like simple, easy less chances :)
how can I send you a video of my horse with a a bitless bridal because you did not show this one that i am using I need help because were iI live no one douse bitless and I whant to now if I am doing it good . I have bin watching your vid now for 2 weeks and I have learnd a lot from you Thank you . Rosa
@HrafnNordhri : Not sure if you meant how they r made or where they came from. Back in the Day, before the time when buckles, snaps and hardware were so easily obtained, people made do with what they had, Rope. Over the years it has developed probably from a loop, to a war bridle and then into what is known as a rope halter. Not sure if that answers this.
@horseawareness Thanks Rick. I was looking through your site and I saw some basic knots, however I could seem to find the Calvary knot. I will look again to see if I just missed it or not. To clarify, I was asking about creating one with just rope, no buckles or snaps. I'll look again on your site and see if I find something there.
Thanks Rick.. your videos and perspective are a breath of fresh air. I know my wife (puresimplenatural) loves them as well.
I recently ordered a Kincade hackamore noseband for my 3-year-old filly. I have only ridden her with it once so far, but I think she responded to it very well. I have been riding her mostly with the halter, although I have ridden her w/ the bridle w/ a simple copper loose-ring snaffle. However, she doesn't like it and I don't want to hurt her mouth. I wanted to ride her bitless in the first place, so I don't know why I didn't bypass the bit and order the hackamore instead. Glad I have it now.
Rick, have to agree with most of what you have to say but not all just like Dr Cook. Using your philosophy has made a huge difference to our herd. I have and do use several variations/brands of BB as well as rope halters and Cordeo, 2 BB's which are Dr Cook cross overs and I don't seem to have the same problems around the nose that you indicate, must be a different design. I have found individual horses require entirely different tack at times and have had some hand made to suit.
Since Ijusthadagreatidea removed his comment since he figured out how stupid he looked my responses were from him trying to tell me Bosal is not pronounced Bozel. Then wanted to cry about how he was trying help me and I am never going to make any money treating people like I do. You can't fix stupid, but you can block them. lol
@IJustHadAGreatIdea : there you go thinking I want your advice or help. Give your so called help, trying to make yourself look smart, on your own damn channel, I don't need to hear your shit. Go sit on your spurs. FOR OTHERS WHO CAN'T READ, I DON'T HAVE THIS CHANNEL TO LOOK FOR HELP, I DON'T WANT YOUR ADVICE OR HELP. Clear enough for a blind man to see.
@IJustHadAGreatIdea Doesn't really matter how it's pronounced or how you say it. There may be a right or wrong way to say it, but there is a right way to treat a horse's mouth and that's what matters, which is what this video is all about.
@SexyHaras : thank you, this knucklehead wants to argue pronunciation and when I went to this channel to see if they knew anything, s/he has 5 subscribers and NOT using their real name, hiding like baby, and has not videos of him working or dealing with a horse. If I could charge for stupid I would be rich.
what do you think about the english bitless bridal? i mostly use a halter, but im starting showing in a couple months and i find bits are unnecessary. by the way i know i dont know crap and im 13
@TheGreatGumsy : lots of people don't know crap, but admitting it and knowing and being willing to study and learn is how you learn. If it is a cross over I don't like it, if it is direct pull then maybe.
As for mechanical hackamores, don't they have long shanks with indirect painful pressure? A nice mare at the stable had one, and threw her head straight in the air the moment anyone picked up the reins. Gee, wonder what her problem was? I started out my horse under saddle with a halter. She could flex, walk, trot canter, stop, and backup. But I caved to the bit because every non-bridled horse was seen as dangerous. I'm sorry, girl. :(
Very interesting.Cause yesterday,I was researching that very same bitless bridle [the Cooke one]...I wasn't very impressed.Around 90 $ each as well.Thank you Rick.
according to cook's manual, it's not supposed to squeeze the nose, it's supposed to evenly spread the pressure to the side of the head. probably still better than bit, but pretty hokey
Changed from a web halter to rope and was amazed at how little pressure I needed. I didn't realize how much pressure I was using with the other until I switched, and paid attention to him. HE is teaching me to have soft hands and feel and I'm glad you said start with a foundation on the ground and build from there. I'd hate to think how hard my hands would have been had I got in a hurry and just put a rope halter on him and got into the saddle, not realizing the difference.
i use a rope halter on my gelding. we've never had a problem. i just would like to know if i can use it while raising my filly. she's now 21mo. old. i don't plan to use a bit on her ever. people are telling me all kinds of things, but i trust you, so if you have a minute i'd appreciate the help. are the walmart rope halters o.k. or do i need a different one? thank you.
chrisvpena 3 days ago
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chrisvpena 3 days ago
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chrisvpena 3 days ago
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chrisvpena 3 days ago
Around the 12:35 mark, i felt as if you would make a good rapper lol :) you have saved my horse. If i didn't know any better, i would have bought the metal harnesses with the buckles and the long shanked bits, thanks, AGAIN, Rick.
AudieRose1998 2 months ago
Bitless IS the better answer. However, the only thing I disagree with is that bitless is possible every time with every horse. Anyone that's trained as long as you have is bound to have come across horses that learned to ignore their noses even with soft hands. It does happen. I love horses too, and I get just as mad at sore mouths. Start with the least pressure possible, and stop when it works(we agree there). But, you can't quit just because the next step might be a bit...cont.
lostcowhand 2 months ago
@lostcowhand
A person can ride just as soft with a bit, but if you need that quick extra "bump" when he tries to ignore his nose, a halter or a soft bosal doesn't have it. Not to mention the times when there just isn't enough room for error to take the chance. I guess what I'm getting at is that while bitless is preferred, bits aren't necessarily evil...rough hands and stupidity is. Btw, I can't be a witch...I never could get a broom to fly!
lostcowhand 2 months ago
Rick:
happy holidays.
I like you are in my fifties and getting back in to riding. How hard is it to transition a horse who is used to a bit, to go bitless. Im in total agreement with you in pain vs pressure compliance. are there intial control issues that must be worked thru. im currently workin witha 8 year old Quater hose who has been treated like a big puppy dog , not a horse. (not ridden) for the last few years.
somokinjustice 3 months ago
I'm glad that you support bitless riding. I use a bozal on my 5 year old mare and she does amazing, she's much more relaxed and responsive. Everyone told me that I was stupid for even trying a bozal because she'd just run off and I'd get hurt. She never has. Whatever works for her, works for me. So thank you for these great videos. Your honesty is something I admire :)
jeweleannaaa 3 months ago
Also I wanted to say I love your videos and point of view, I lost my Moon Dance @ the age of 36 this past Christmas Eve and in my need of a horse fix I turned to YouTube (its still to painful to go to the barn) and came across your videos. I love your attitude towards the horse and how you talk to them :-) I wish there where more people like u.
AmandaEliseM 3 months ago
Hi Rick :)
Again I just wanted to correct your comment about the "constricting noseband". I wasn't trying to change your mind on it nor was I offended that you didn't like it but to to the people watching your videos and that are on the fence about going bitless and are nervous about using just a rope halter (silly I know but they do exist) they might otherwise try this instead of continuing to use a stupid bit.
AmandaEliseM 3 months ago
@AmandaEliseM : I get it, anything other than the bit and I if I had to pick I would always choose bitless to a bit.
horseawareness 3 months ago
Hi Rick
I just wanted to put my 2 cents in on this.
I own the Dr. Cook's bitless bridle and a rope halter and love them both. Your description of Dr. Cook's constricting noseband is incorrect in NO WAY does it tighten on the horses nose, just as a English bridle's noseband (it buckles and looks exactly the same) or a rope halter's noseband it aids in pressure but never tightens over the nose. The crossover straps do go thru a ring on either side of the nose band but that is just a anchor poi
AmandaEliseM 3 months ago
@AmandaEliseM : If it works for you that is fine. I think there is less room for error and confusion with a rope halter, it is clearer and more direct with less chance of things catching or getting into rings or cross overs. To me simple is better with less chance of crap going wrong. Also why make a horse or you have to change from halter to cross over if the halter works? If you don't get benefit to cook thing, why have two? personal choice, for the horse, I like simple, easy less chances :)
horseawareness 3 months ago
Hi Rick
how can I send you a video of my horse with a a bitless bridal because you did not show this one that i am using I need help because were iI live no one douse bitless and I whant to now if I am doing it good . I have bin watching your vid now for 2 weeks and I have learnd a lot from you Thank you . Rosa
samiyahshua 4 months ago
thanks for this video rick, RIGHT now i'm teaching my horse to ride with a rope halter!
ThePENNY1999 4 months ago
ADDED links to making a rope halter in Description Area.
horseawareness 4 months ago
Being a Knotter I'd be interested if you could cover rope halter creation?
HrafnNordhri 4 months ago
@HrafnNordhri : If you go to my rope halter page on my web site I have a couple of links that show how to tie a rope halter.
horseawareness 4 months ago
@HrafnNordhri : Not sure if you meant how they r made or where they came from. Back in the Day, before the time when buckles, snaps and hardware were so easily obtained, people made do with what they had, Rope. Over the years it has developed probably from a loop, to a war bridle and then into what is known as a rope halter. Not sure if that answers this.
horseawareness 4 months ago
@horseawareness Thanks Rick. I was looking through your site and I saw some basic knots, however I could seem to find the Calvary knot. I will look again to see if I just missed it or not. To clarify, I was asking about creating one with just rope, no buckles or snaps. I'll look again on your site and see if I find something there.
Thanks Rick.. your videos and perspective are a breath of fresh air. I know my wife (puresimplenatural) loves them as well.
HrafnNordhri 4 months ago
@HrafnNordhri : I will add links in Description area.
horseawareness 4 months ago
@horseawareness Excellent thanks Rick!
HrafnNordhri 4 months ago
I recently ordered a Kincade hackamore noseband for my 3-year-old filly. I have only ridden her with it once so far, but I think she responded to it very well. I have been riding her mostly with the halter, although I have ridden her w/ the bridle w/ a simple copper loose-ring snaffle. However, she doesn't like it and I don't want to hurt her mouth. I wanted to ride her bitless in the first place, so I don't know why I didn't bypass the bit and order the hackamore instead. Glad I have it now.
EquiChristian 4 months ago
Rick, have to agree with most of what you have to say but not all just like Dr Cook. Using your philosophy has made a huge difference to our herd. I have and do use several variations/brands of BB as well as rope halters and Cordeo, 2 BB's which are Dr Cook cross overs and I don't seem to have the same problems around the nose that you indicate, must be a different design. I have found individual horses require entirely different tack at times and have had some hand made to suit.
Horsingabout1 5 months ago
Can you do a video on how Fury and popo are doing?
karah0bug 5 months ago
Since Ijusthadagreatidea removed his comment since he figured out how stupid he looked my responses were from him trying to tell me Bosal is not pronounced Bozel. Then wanted to cry about how he was trying help me and I am never going to make any money treating people like I do. You can't fix stupid, but you can block them. lol
horseawareness 5 months ago
@IJustHadAGreatIdea : there you go thinking I want your advice or help. Give your so called help, trying to make yourself look smart, on your own damn channel, I don't need to hear your shit. Go sit on your spurs. FOR OTHERS WHO CAN'T READ, I DON'T HAVE THIS CHANNEL TO LOOK FOR HELP, I DON'T WANT YOUR ADVICE OR HELP. Clear enough for a blind man to see.
horseawareness 5 months ago
@horseawareness Awesome, I've learned a new saying, "go sit on your spurs." lol That's almost as good as, "shut the front door". Love it. :)
HokeeDokey 5 months ago
@IJustHadAGreatIdea Doesn't really matter how it's pronounced or how you say it. There may be a right or wrong way to say it, but there is a right way to treat a horse's mouth and that's what matters, which is what this video is all about.
SexyHaras 5 months ago
@SexyHaras : thank you, this knucklehead wants to argue pronunciation and when I went to this channel to see if they knew anything, s/he has 5 subscribers and NOT using their real name, hiding like baby, and has not videos of him working or dealing with a horse. If I could charge for stupid I would be rich.
horseawareness 5 months ago 4
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IJustHadAGreatIdea 5 months ago
@IJustHadAGreatIdea : Well Ms. Knowitall, perhaps you can give me a source on where you received this vast knowledge.
The word bosal is from the Spanish bosal [boˈsal], also spelled bozal [boˈθal], meaning muzzle.
Your need to correct something like this shows something about you. I am sure your horse sees it, not sure you if you will ever see it.
Once again your comment reminds me of the saying: When a wise man points at the moon, the fool focuses on the finger.
horseawareness 5 months ago
what do you think about the english bitless bridal? i mostly use a halter, but im starting showing in a couple months and i find bits are unnecessary. by the way i know i dont know crap and im 13
TheGreatGumsy 5 months ago
@TheGreatGumsy : lots of people don't know crap, but admitting it and knowing and being willing to study and learn is how you learn. If it is a cross over I don't like it, if it is direct pull then maybe.
horseawareness 5 months ago
I'm standing in line right now saying ''I was a dummy''.
I'm not proud of having been a dummy, but I'm proud that I can admit it...and my horse is alot prouder of me aswell now.
SexyHaras 5 months ago
As for mechanical hackamores, don't they have long shanks with indirect painful pressure? A nice mare at the stable had one, and threw her head straight in the air the moment anyone picked up the reins. Gee, wonder what her problem was? I started out my horse under saddle with a halter. She could flex, walk, trot canter, stop, and backup. But I caved to the bit because every non-bridled horse was seen as dangerous. I'm sorry, girl. :(
Apollostowel 5 months ago
Very interesting.Cause yesterday,I was researching that very same bitless bridle [the Cooke one]...I wasn't very impressed.Around 90 $ each as well.Thank you Rick.
NewfieSherry 5 months ago
according to cook's manual, it's not supposed to squeeze the nose, it's supposed to evenly spread the pressure to the side of the head. probably still better than bit, but pretty hokey
horseygirl70 5 months ago
hackamores work good to they have no bit and are not painfull unless used very harshly and are not at all confusing if used right
nacomagenic 5 months ago
Changed from a web halter to rope and was amazed at how little pressure I needed. I didn't realize how much pressure I was using with the other until I switched, and paid attention to him. HE is teaching me to have soft hands and feel and I'm glad you said start with a foundation on the ground and build from there. I'd hate to think how hard my hands would have been had I got in a hurry and just put a rope halter on him and got into the saddle, not realizing the difference.
HokeeDokey 5 months ago
@HokeeDokey rope halters require less force to get the same results, because web halters are flat and larger surface area.
horseygirl70 5 months ago