Training Tips

QUESTION: I have a question: could you please comment on the use of a horse neck tie ("Free Head Horse Collar")? I was wondering what you think of them? If you feel they are safe, what is the best way to introduce the collar to a horse? I see riders use them when we go on trail rides. They don't have to put the bridle on over the halter for the entire ride. When it is time to tie up, the horses are easily tied with the collar and a lead rope. Others I know use them when they trailer their horses so that the horse is secure, but their face is less restricted during travel. It looks wonderfully convenient and practical, but I was wondering if you have any thoughts or experience either pro or con AND the best way to introduce it. Thank you.

REPLY: Golly, I know nothing about this device to be quite honest. I had to Google it after reading your email to see what you were talking about. I didn't even realize people were using these. So, since I have no experience with this device, I don't think I can give an informed opinion on it. I don't know why my first gut reaction when I saw it (pictures online) was: "wonder if a horse can break a neck more easily if he panicked and pulled back/fought it there suddenly?" But that was just a reflex thought.

Know what you might do? Print out a picture/info on it and ask your vet their opinion on it, too. I kinda think I'd want my vet in on a decision like that maybe because they know how a horse can break a neck and whether something like that is safe to use or not, ya know?

I think I'm also going to run your question here by a good friend and colleague of mine whose opinions I highly respect, natural horsemanship trainer and clinician, Ed Dabney (www.eddabney.com).

Comments From Ed Dabney:

My answer would, naturally, be very similar to Sylvia's. I've never heard of this type of collar, but it does strike me as somewhat dangerous for the horse. If a tied horse panicked and pulled back, I could see the possibility of upper vertebrae or larynx damage, or the horse choking himself down and passing out, then hanging himself on the collar. I agree that a vet's opinion would be good in this matter. I would certainly never leave the collar or even a halter for that matter on a loose horse in the pasture. This is a very dangerous practice.

The closest thing to this with which I am familiar is the old cowboy "get down rope." It goes around the horse's upper neck, then is coiled on the saddle and used to lead a bridle horse or to tuck in your belt or hold in one hand when you get down to doctor a calf or work on a fence in order to keep your horse with you without having to hold the rein and risk damaging the horse's mouth. The "get down rope" is not used to tie a horse to a post.