I know someone asked about the handy stick, but what about all these Parelli and Anderson Rope Halters? Are they truly superior to regular rope halters or?
I don't want to be cheap, but I don't want to get ripped off either!
Well, yes, if you don't do groundwork with the rope halter, then to you there would not be any difference. But, to those who do groundwork, they'll feel a difference - I simply cannot do my groundwork in any halter other than the Parelli/Anderson NH-type halters that I tie. My horse doesn't do his groundwork as well without that halter.
I do ground work with green horses or horses who are being started. Again to me there is not enough, to an,y difference that warrants the added cost. Plus I do not use a rope halter to do ground work in.
I figure as long as it works, that's good enough. I too don't have an abundance of money to spend on (for me) Anderson halters and handy-sticks. BUT, I did get one for my Warmblood and I think it did work a little better than the one from Horse.com.
One reason is because of the thinner rope . . . . now I would fully admit that I could be completely delusional, about it working better. But, now that I've sold the Warmblood and have just the Arab, it doesn't fit him so well so I'm thinking just getting one from Horse.com that fits him 'cause that's better than one that doesn't fit well.
(As for handy sticks, I got a carrot? stick instead for 4 bucks at a fair! The rope tail has fallen off and the end has frayed but it still works. Got it about 2 years ago.)
I just lost my whole post trying to quote something, LOL
I need a keeper. Anyway the gist of it was needing a handy, carrot, happy stick, whatever you want to call them to teach Sienna to pivot in her front. I recently saw a short video of CA doing it with a stick and it looked much easier than using my hand with the rope in it. He said this helps a lot with pushiness and she always needs 'reminders' about that.
Also someone said they don't use rope halters, and I think that's great if you can get your horse to respond without one. The day Sienna backed off the trailer and they handed me her lead rope, she almost dragged us both into the road before I could unsnap the rope from underneath to the side and get some leverage on her. Her halter was so small on her it left marks for weeks after we put her in a bigger one, so she doesn't have the most sensitive head, and will push through a regular halter if I'm not paying attention.
Also someone said they thought the thinner rope worked better and I agree, I think it adds more 'umpha' to their pressure points. With Sienna though, it's almost like as soon as the rope halter goes on, she straightens up I don't have to be harsh with it or jerk her around, nothing like that, she's just always kinda realized it's time to do some work once I put it on. When I leave her regular halter on her she figures she's in for a big long grooming. Maybe i should mix that up some, hmmmmm.
G'day all,
have to agree with mom2ride on the pp halters, we dont like the shape as the gullet piece, throat piece and cheek straps are too short. This puts the poll strap knots on the cheek. They are made with quality rope, just not how we like a halter to fit. We train, start and ride in rope halters so fit is important. For quality rope, only 100% polyester marine double braid has the characteristics needed for equine use.... especially in the high country as it has a high UV resistance.
FledgeOfNarnia: Actually, if the halter is too big for your Arab, it can be adjusted Even if the knots have been pulled super tight, there are ways to adjust the rope halters.
That's true, I never thought about that. I tried to make one once and got about 1/2 way through and gave up. I was trying to tie the 'blood knots' and one night it came to me how, I tied one, saved it, and can't back myself through it now, LOL. Well I probably could if I HAD to do it, but I think the one I bought just has double knots, not blood knots on it. I would know more about it but since we're having rain every day, I haven't been able to even get to the barn and try it out. But you just loosen one knot, tie it father up the halter and do the same to all the rest.
I like the stiffness and quality of the CA halters, though the older ones with quick release clasp's are better than the cheap clasp he's selling now.
but no they are not worth quite what he charges for them, even though tying halters is a bit labor intensive and requires about 20 feet of the rope.
I've priced the raw rope, the halter rope is fairly inexpensive but the lead rope isn't a cheap rope picked up at the farm and ranch store, its made to tie up your large yacht
The advantage to the Clinton Anderson rope halters, in my opinion is twofold:
First, the additional knots do provide a bit more pressure to get and keep your horse's attention.
Second, they are made from much stiffer rope which also provides more feedback and pressure for the horse.
That being said - don't pay the prices Clinton Anderson asks for them. You can find rope halters that are identical to the CA brand - same knots and literally the same rope on ebay for less than half of what CA and other big name clinicians charge. I have two of them and really like them.
They are also quite a bit more durable than the tractor-store variety.
I'm very very picky about rope halters and the lead ropes. I've had "authentic" Parelli and Anderson halters and lead ropes.
- I like the Anderson halter for the stiffness and the double nose knots are good for training (especially TEACHING/STARTING them) I think once your horse is really soft/responsive and made....you don't really NEED them. They aren't as comfortable for the horse as the 'no knot' type
- Parelli halter rope is too soft for my taste. It doesn't hold its' shape (the halter) and I find the noseband too loose.
I'm VERY picky on lead ropes and my favorite rope, for the FEEL, WEIGHT, THICKNESS is the authentic Parelli rope with the brass swivel snap. The snap end is more versatile, because you can put a12 foot rope or a 14 foot or a 22 foot, depending on what you want to do.
Now - I don't believe in paying the "famous clinician" price for the rope halters and leads. But I DO believe there are TONS of CHEAP, POORLY MADE, BAD CRAFTSMANSHIP, and POOR-FEELING ROPE halters out there.
I know what I like, and I've had halters MADE by folks who do sell online. But I'm very picky on what I order and request from them (type of rope, etc)
That being said - if you aren't as knowledgeble on the exact rope type (for thickness, stiffness/softness, and overall feel to it) you may be better off paying the Clinician Brand Name to get a good quality rope halter.
I hate some of the "el cheapo" poorly fitting, poor quality rope halters you see online and at some of the tractor stores. But...that said....I'm picky
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