The use of the chain lead

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ismyhorsehappy...
As anyone who has handled horses knows, sometimes you have to have a way to restrain them for their own safety. This is not to suggest that we should forgo teaching our horse's basic manners. We should also make sure that we take the time to gain their confidence and trust. But there will still be occasions where knowing how to safely use a chain lead shank will come in handy.

[@MariRobertson]

Thank you! Really helpful. Just wanted to have a tool for a sweet mini mule who every once in a while wants to pull away and run around. The chain over nose will help him not need more. 🌹

[@brittanyritenour4695]

What I love about what this girl said is if they are trained well from the ground you really shouldn't have to use a chain but if you have to these are the ways to use them. Very good horse person.

[@IsMyHorseHappy]

I really appreciate that Brittany. Thank you very much. Pat

[@brittanyritenour4695]

@@IsMyHorseHappy Your very welcome! :)

[@AG-sp9zt]

omg this lady is so sweet and explains so well. thank you!

[@IsMyHorseHappy]

Thanks Aly. I really appreciate the feedback. We have more videos at our website: Ismyhorsehappy.com. I hope you'll have a chance to check it out. Thanks again!

[@rethathomas8460]

First of all, I enjoyed your video, very informative but not all horses that need this used from time to time didn’t start out in a bad way. I own a 3 year old 18.3hh 2300lb Clydesdale colt whom I have owned since he was 4 months old and already taller than I. I use this to insure not only our safety but others that may be around. He has been handled a lot and the amount of work I have done with my boy is an ever learning experience. God knows I’m not perfect but I have done my very best and continue to learn and grow along with my gentle giant. I’m not being ugly, just honest it caught me the wrong way with that comment.

[@IsMyHorseHappy]

I appreciate such an honest and polite response. It was certainly not my intention to offend. A chain lead is like any tool. In the right hands, used correctly, it is perfectly fine. It can be used in a way that doesn't cause pressure unless required. Thank you for taking the time to write and in hindsight, it would have been better and clearer if I had said that. By the way, that is one big horse you have there! But the Clydesdale are so wonderful, aren't they? Have fun with him and thanks again.

[@larsphilipsonisaac7164]

Thank you. Whenever I show anyone how to lead a horse, I tell them to hold the leadrope with their thumb down, as I believe you're both stronger and more relaxed that way. Love to hear what your point of view are on that?

[@IsMyHorseHappy]

Hi Lars. Sorry for the delay in responding. I agree if I understand you correctly. We grasp it with our thumb down and then when you turn your thumb up you can maintain a very light connection to the horse but also have a bit of leverage if you need it. I should make a quick video about that one day. Maybe then, you could let me know if I understood you correctly. Thanks very much. Pat

[@larsphilipsonisaac7164]

@@IsMyHorseHappy, you do. Thanks for reply!

[@idagrasscloud9375]

Thanks for the Advice!

[@IsMyHorseHappy]

You're welcome Ida. Thank you very much for watching!

[@angelaequestrian7465]

Is my horse happy? I use nose chain lead ropes why do people say they are abuse?? And why do people say spurs are abuse I use spurs and there is no blood cause I don’t jab also why do people say bits are abuse

[@IsMyHorseHappy]

@@angelaequestrian7465 Hi. I'm so sorry I missed your comment. I think like every thing, it depends on how a tool is used. In the right hands, with experience and compassion, chain leads or spurs can be carefully used to make things clearer for the horse. But in the wrong hands (or on the wrong boots) these same tools can be too harsh, serving only to frighten and hurt the horse rather than clarify things for him. Thanks for watching Angela and, again, my apologies that I missed your comment. Pat

[@angelaequestrian7465]

@@IsMyHorseHappy it’s okay 🙂I’ve been doing a lot of horse shows

[@angelaequestrian7465]

@@IsMyHorseHappy a Karen came up to me and said YOU ARE A HORse. Abuser and my horse looked at her like what that helll and I was talking to her saying sorry ma’am I’m tryna train and she said take all of this off and I said NO cause my horse is a stallion so I need spurs and a whip and a bit to keep him under control and a lip chain cause he is extremely hard all the Karen’s in the world accusing people🤦🏼‍♀️

[@_angelicr]

Why the fuck do people think it's okay to tie chains & all that on horses? It probably makes them feel so uncomfortable, just cause they can't speak or tell us how they feel it doesn't mean you can do whatever you want to them. Horses are probably tired of humans controlling them all the time, it's so sad. Leave these horses alone in their natural habitat & stop trying to train them. What if someone was tieing a chain around your mouth, would you like it? No, so stop doing it to animals.

[@IsMyHorseHappy]

Perhaps you should watch the video, Reema. Also, the average life span of a wild horse, in his 'natural habitat' is approximately 8 years. My school horses retire at my farm and they live well into their late twenties, early thirties. I am sure you mean well in your concerns. All the best.

[@mareefrench2661]

Chains are barbaric. All you need is to work with a horse with horsemanship. Im disgted in you. All horses you have should be taken away ffrom .you think it hurts you ....how do you think the horse feels.

[@harrohi]

Hello Maree. I guess you didn't watch the video. All the best.

[@ravenwoodfarms1957]

Doesn't sound like you watched this at all lol.

[@rethathomas8460]

When it is used correctly it most certainly not barbaric, and is a valuable tool when used correctly and not in a cruel way

[@rethathomas8460]

Have you ever owned a heavy draft before? Imagine owning a 4 month old that is already taller than you, and he is handled daily, now imagine he is 7 months old 16hh and 1700lbs