How to Teach your Horse to Ride Tackless

[@LittleMissPaperHeart]

"you know, don't get killed and blame me" she says laughing nervously. haha I was dyingg

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

EWEquestrian haha I ain't risking getting sued 😂

[@myraking1025]

Much how I did this back, in 82, Holly, when I developed a step by step method. Neck rope riding was unheard of back then and I was thought of as crazy at best and eccentric at the worst. I can share the KZbin video of me that a friend put up recently from old footage.

[@annamariawarczok7377]

I taught both my late beloved horse and my horse share now to ride with a neck rope! A few important things! I first started with transitioning to riding with a rope halter and then neck rope. So that step by step you’re reducing the pressure that the horse has to react to. Also very important to watch their body language! Often you can see if they (when they don’t listen to the neck rope pressure) if they do it because they forgot the cue -> relaxed, or if they are actively fighting against it -> ear twitching etc. If the horse forgot, then I repeat the "command". If fighting, correct with pressure on rope halter. When they do something well, immediately give them a pat. Don’t overdo it, when your horse try’s something new, like for example you give your usual cues for a side pass, but only with neck rope, and the horse reacts with a correct step, don’t push it for more. Immediately stop pat and give them a moment to think. If they chew that’s their sign of thinking and accepting something so that’s a great sign in that moment. I would personally recommend stopping after that and giving them a rest because riding with a neck rope mostly involves for them much more mental work, than for traditional riding, and they can get overwhelmed if too much is being asked at once. I noticed that if I’d ask mine to attempt a side pass again a second time, he would do it incorrectly, lazily, or refuse it, because either a) he was overwhelmed or b) he realised that he has more power to refuse it the second time around. It’s a beautiful way to communicate with your horse and my most preferred way of riding :) hope this could help whoever wants to try it too!

[@puddytat9752]

This was such a fantastic introduction to neckrope riding and I can't wait to try out your tips on my horse tonight, so thank you!

[@gemmamcgregor5933]

Could you please do a video on how to get a good jumping position: it would help me a lot. Thanks!! Great vid btw

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Zoe's Horse Care I've been thinking about this and i really don't know what advice to give Im sorry, maybe in the future I'll think of some tips :)

[@gemmamcgregor5933]

That's ok thanks for answering

[@zoe5317]

a good jumping position mostly comes from practice, a coach watching you as much as you can afford to give you tips, and fitness/ a strong lower leg!

[@Montanaoequestrian]

I am definitely trying this. THANK YOU Holly ;)

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Montana O. Ooh I can't want to see!! :D

[@angeliquehelmerhorst1091]

Your horse has amazing self balance!

[@penelopeyoung4294]

In the description you said keep the saddle on until you feel comfortable and I agree but you could also do it bareback with a bridle or halter with lead rope reins

[@ameliebissell8572]

So helpful again holly! I love going riding on the beach and in rivers and lakes but don't want my tack ruined so this is so great for that. Thanks a lot and wellbeck is absolutely gorgeous I love chestnuts!❤❤

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

EverythingEquine Awh that sounds so lovely I wish there was places like that around me 😍

[@asia6223]

This was a very enjoyable and informative video, Holly! Are u going to try this with Indie? I was also wondering if you are planning to do a 'My riding story' video, I would love to see it!

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Joanna Haraburda thank you and I might if I have time! And I think I will make one because I love watching other people's riding stories ☺️

[@AnotherGreenWitch]

I'm a subscriber from Belgium, I've been loving your videos! You seem like such a nice person and your horses and farm look so amazing :D

[@tanyap9678]

okay, but can we talk about her lower leg?? So still and quiet. AMAZING!

[@miamason8024]

Hey! Can you please do a video on how to ride bareback? I want to learn and I can canter a bit but I can’t canter more that 5 seconds because I’ll fall off.. It would really help me loads... if you don’t make it it’s fine. Thanks! xoxo

[@suzanneyorkville]

your horse is a lovey mover. a pleasure to watch this

[@sammidonnelly5252]

I'm so doing this on Saturday 😂💖 Not gone tackless in months ❤️😘

[@hannahmoore2328]

Samantha Kilburn same haha I never quite mastered turning though whoops😂😂

[@sammidonnelly5252]

Hannah Moore I've had a few accidents going tackless 😂💖

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Samantha Kilburn haha have fun!!

[@ENHorseLuvr15]

I tried this tackless yesterday! I had my neck rope and the bridle but I didn't have my saddle. My horse didn't respond when I would ask him to stop with the neck rein so I'll have to work on that.

[@saneeceharnden8240]

This seemed very effective and I am definitely trying this!

[@bakuhoe6485]

This video was really helpfull thank you so much for sharing❤️🐢

[@epsg5561]

What type of rope do you use to make a neck-rope? How stiff or soft should it be? What type of material? How long must it be?

[@juno238]

Ethel Sage I haven’t made one before but I know a little bit. I heard stiffer is better as it’s easier to use, and to measure you could take a piece of rope or string and tie it around your horses neck to find the right length. As for the type not sure, Hope very thing goes well if you decide to make one!

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

The one I have is made of lariat rope, but I didn't make it, and it's probably long enough to go 1 1/4-1 1/2 times around my horse's neck (it's adjustable).

[@maritzatruter8044]

I am so going to try it. Thank you, you made it so much easier in explaining it. Love your little Dont get killed haha...Yeah its a bit scary I have tried it once and I lived but scary.

[@mlt9164]

Where did you get the neck rope from??💕

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

MLT Equine it was from a girl off Instagram years ago, I can't find the page anymore sorry :(

[@mlt9164]

Aww... it's ok, ty anyways! BTW love your vids!❤️

[@mlt9164]

Shawna Nicole Thanks!

[@Abby-qg3ee]

When you're starting off just using the neck rope with your reins tied, how do you know that the horse is responding to the neck rope and not your legs/seat? Do you still use your legs and seat to steer?

[@cbfranssen9584]

You should always use legs and seat to steer before using your hands with or without a bridle🙂

[@sidilicious11]

@@cbfranssen9584 good question, good answer.

[@marinasendkast]

Such a useful video! I've been trying to teach my mare to ride brideless for a while, so I love this kind of video. I've been working with her leadrope so far, but would like to get a neckrope so, where did you get yours or where could I find one?

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

I used a leadrope for ages too but the one I have is really handy. Unfortunately I got it years ago from someone off Instagram and I can't find the page any more I'm sorry :(

[@marinasendkast]

:( That's too bad, but thanks anyway!!

[@Zazzysylvester]

marinasendkast if you have any draw reins with a rope material they are great👌🏼

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

Mine's from TTouch

[@adamcampbell7096]

omg cool that's such a good method love it holly !!

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Adam equestrian thank you! :)

[@sidilicious11]

And the horses say hallelujah, humans have finally learned we don’t always needs bridles!

[@kbequestrian128]

Would love to try this some day!

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

KB Equestrian you should give it a go! :)

[@olliethehorse2198]

Thanks for the great video! I will be trying this out tomorrow 😊

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

OllieThe Horse no problem, that's great!

[@olliethehorse2198]

:) ❤

[@HorseExpression]

He's/she's so good! Even keeps himself/herself in frame without a bridle! I would love to start doing some natural training with my newest girl, a green Morgan mare who gets extremely testy and hot tempered in the winter. If a horse bucked with only a neckrope is it still possible to pull their head up?

[@maisiejensseneventing4297]

if u put the rope far up their neck but try to maybe just have a headcollar on her. x

[@emilycarnall3381]

Love this well done holly and wellback xx😜🎉🐎

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Crazy Connemara thank you! :)

[@nedkelly.c0m]

I just wanted to see this but I ride with no tack as I can’t afford it! 😂

[@idekanymore4331]

We've been practicing this where I ride and my horse is generally really responsive he has a hackamore so hes a good listener (neck reining in general) but his neck is really long so i cant get the neck rope far enough up and leg pressure isnt really enough to get him to do good turns, any suggestions? He is good with stopping however with the neck rope, but I just cant get the rope up far enough up for turning

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Isabelle River wood maybe try teaching him to leg yield so that you'll be able to use your leg to help him turn. Other than that, it's all about repetition and make sure you make a fuss and reward him when he gets it right! :)

[@chloeeventing]

Where did you get your neckrope? I cant find a good one and wanted to know

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

I'm not Holly, but the one my instructor got (that she later gave to me) is the TTouch Liberty Neck Ring (neck ropes are probably available from lots of different places, but that's the one I've got). I've had it for almost 6 years (started using it nearly 9 years ago, when it was still my instructor's), and it has held up wonderfully - sturdy, adjustable (easy enough to adjust that it's not a deterring factor, but hard enough that it will 100% stay put unless you're actually trying to adjust it, i.e. it won't slide loose on you), goes long enough that someone with short arms (like me) can use it with 2 hands without it throwing off my position, and nice and stiff but with just the right amount of give. I love it, and my horse does, too. Because we do a lot of mountain trail riding, I use a long piece of paracord (any sturdy string would work) and a scissor snap (clips to the neckrope) to attach it to the saddle so it doesn't side down and hit her in the back of the head if she puts her head down for a drink or when going down a steep incline.

[@chloeeventing]

@@SnowySpiritRuby Thank you so much!

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

@@chloeeventing You're very welcome!

[@kelseywitt6372]

Where can I buy the rope?

[@princevegeta2956]

My horse is trained to neck rein so if i try to ride her with a neck rope will it be easy? Will she respond?

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

I'm not Holly, but my horse was already trained to neck rein, and it made it super easy - I still used it in conjunction with the reins the first few times just to make sure 100% that she understood what I was asking for when it came to turning, and because I definitely needed the reins with it to teach the slow down and the back up, but she picked it up pretty quickly. We started out using it for lessons (it wasn't mine at the time - it belonged to my instructor, who later gave it to me), and by the end of the second one (those lessons were 1 1/2 hrs), we were doing our cool down with just the rope (meaning I'd drop the reins and use just the rope). Nowadays, 8 1/2 years after we started using it (we weren't able to use it very consistently until my instructor gave it to me 3 years in - I only had lessons that first half year because it was for school, and only used it a couple times after that until she gave it to me), I almost never have to touch the reins anymore - they're only there as a backup, but they're still always there whenever we go outside the corrals, because there have been just enough times where I have ended up needing them (we're still working on it); I keep them attached to the saddle (so they don't fall if she puts her head down), and also keep them long enough that she can get her head down to catch her balance if she trips and to get a drink, but not so long that she can catch a foot in them when going uphill, so she never has pressure on the reins unless I actually pick them up; for her, English reins are the shortest that work for that - with roping reins (4 ft sides), I have to unclip them from the saddle in order for her to drink, otherwise she can't get her head quite low enough (I'm currently working on a solution to that problem). I will note that it took a bit to get her willing to let the rope go over her head when we first introduced it, but I suspect that was in part due to how my instructor did it (i.e. if we had just put it over her head with the reins and acted like it was no big deal, my horse probably wouldn't have cared).

[@princevegeta2956]

@@SnowySpiritRuby thanks!

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

@@princevegeta2956 You're welcome!

[@666-k3r4f]

Nice video! This was very helpful 💚💜

[@finn8134]

can i make a neck rope with a lead line

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

Yep - it won't be as stiff, but you can.

[@abbieg3945]

Holly would you try this oh khal? Or something you should only do on more experienced horses ? Would love to try on a young horse

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

I'm not Holly, but I first tried it in lessons (in conjunction with a bridle) on a just-turned-4-year-old, though she didn't have the "young horse energy". I used it in conjunction with the reins for 4 or 5 lessons before I felt comfortable enough to put the reins down and use just the rope (mostly because it took that long to teach my horse to reliably slow down with it), only picking up the reins when needed. The hardest part was getting her to let us put it over her head, but I have a feeling that had more to do with the way my instructor was doing it than the rope itself (i.e. if we had just put it over her head with the reins and acted like it was no big deal, she probably wouldn't have cared, or at least not much).

[@klaraewings]

Gonna have to get the neck rope out again and try and teach Ben properly😂

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

BentheBay yess definitely do! :D

[@robertwinstanley8138]

Where dod you get the neck rope from?

[@ineedhelp2132]

My problem with my horse is that she neck reins amazingly, but the second she doesn’t feel something connected to her bit, she doesn’t neck rein anymore. Any ideas how to work that out?

[@princevegeta2956]

I wanna neck rope my horse too and she is trained to neck rein so idk if it will be easier

[@cicilps387]

How long itTake before she was able to go completely without a bridal

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

I took the bridle off the first day with her because she was very good, but it completely depends on the horse ☺️

[@ponycam7096]

Where did you get your neck rope from

[@mariaassuncao5048]

She probably made it

[@MF-cr1ib]

Your Irish? I'm Irish 🇮🇪🇮🇪 This is a great tutorial! xx I'm from Mayo ❤️💚

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Mel Draws Stuff Im from Westmeath :) thank you!

[@MF-cr1ib]

Holly Lenahan Wow! Closer than I thought x You are a great rider and your horses are in great condition! I'm adopting a horse soon x

[@laurakriston5896]

beautiful horse

[@howdyhorses61]

When I try to ride bridles my horse sticks his neck straight up like a pencil and it’s so uncomfortable to ride him like that and feels so unnatural lol he’s weird idk

[@friesianprincess5490]

That's what my mums OTTB does 😂😂😂

[@saraheventing3792]

My horse has got the turning worked out but how do you stop?

[@beavadakkoot]

Horse Talk well first you should teach your horse to stop without pulling on the rains (is that written right?!?! ) for example by saying something and by body language

[@saraheventing3792]

Bea Werder Yeah he has gotten better, you were close it's reins a letter off ahha thanks he's doing a lot better than he did.

[@carissa2966]

Where did you get the neck rope from? I have tried it using my pony's lead rope but it doesn't work as well.

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

borntoride 04 yeah I used to use a lead rope too and I got mine off someone on Instragram but I can't find the page any more I'm sorry :(

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

Mine's from TTouch, but I'm sure there are loads of places to get them.

[@charlottemoss5837]

Apologies if this has already been asked but is this possible without an arena? I'd love to try with my baby but we only have a field full of other horses so I'm just not sure? I don't know if the other horses would be confusing. Thanks in advance :)

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

+Charlotte Moss it is possible but just be more careful because if they get excited and run off, they can go further without being stopped by an arena fence. Make sure there’s someone there with you on the ground in case anything happens! ☺️

[@charlottemoss5837]

Thank you Holly! Lovely video btw :) very helpful!

[@markmcphillips4039]

Your the best holly

[@seanhodnett2117]

love the video but im not going to try because i would fall off too quick

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Sean Hodnett awh better off not pushing it and risking hurting yourself!

[@equestrianlifestyle9871]

this is awesome!

[@saneeceharnden8240]

When your horse barely ever walks for you and only trots so it makes it 10 times harder👍🤦‍♀️

[@horseslove7623]

Everything Everything lol my stallion only galopes

[@cmkeventing]

I will try to attempt this! We will see how it goes. I'll let you know if I am still alive😂

[@marestevens11]

Three years later you are obviously dead😂😂

[@lilmissdanny1]

I tried this with Coletta and ended up in hospital 😂😂

[@cmkeventing]

Oh no! Probably how I am going to end up😂

[@user8241]

I tried tackles on my last pony and it was terrible! He kept walking to the gate and that’s it I couldn’t make him move then 😂

[@puudathemeow5593]

Make him move his feet at the gate then (maybe try in bridle+tackless so you can steer him like you usually do), bend him, do leg yields, circles etc. and if he at some point is okay with going further from the gate then stop asking 'hard' things from him, if he turns back to the gate ask more of him again. Soon he will realise that the gate is not as fun as he thought and you will be able to ride in the whole arena. This is also not a tackless problem, it's a general problem that shows up when riding tackless because you can't force or control him the same way you can when having a bit and a noseband that shuts his mouth close. So tackless or not it's something you should try to adress, and maybe also consider why he doesn't want to work, is your work repetetive or boring for him and could you for example spice it up with something new? Do you release pressure when he does something right so he understands that he has done the right thing etc? If you haven't done connection exercises, you could try some, there are lots on yt and i.e. Warwick Schiller has a connecting with your horse during coronavirus series that seems pretty straight forward and something that everyone can benefit from.

[@jessie6601]

don't get killed and blame me hahahaahah omg i can't

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Jessie haha I had to throw it in there 🙈

[@charlenevandrie7736]

Hello, I am not sure if you guys understand but you are NOT teaching the horse how to ride tackless you are teaching yourself. And yes you are getting the horse used to it and helping the horse AND you learn more about knowing how to stop, go right, go left, or go forward. Thank you! And no hate towards you just lots of people think the are teaching the horse and they are not.

[@michelle12310]

This is neckrope ridning, not trackless;)