I would like to start doing certain little things to associate my 16 month old colt with things he'll be doing. For instance, putting a chain under his chin when going to show, and putting the chain over his nose when going to breed. What would be the best way of doing this? Over the nose for breeding and under the nose for show/training? The reason I ask, is because I want to discourage any rearing while keeping control. My little sister was showing a mare of ours with the chain under her chin, and must have popped it a little too hard because she reared. My sister was not hurt, thankfully. Any suggestions on different things to associate him with? Also, our neighbor is interested in breeding her mare to him when he's ready to breed (when he shows interest). I was wondering if hand breeding or pasture breeding would be better for standing outside mares. I want to pasture breed my own horses, so that handlers can stay safer and it seems more natural to them. I don't know if I'd want an outside mare to be pasture bred with my stallion because of safety reasons for the horses. Would hand breeding be better in this situation? Thanks!
Elizabeth
Jos (63.184.72.6)
Posted on Wednesday, October 09, 2002 - 01:05 am:
Use of the chain under the chin is always more likely to result in the horse rearing and therefore we do not use it there at any time.
When breeding we like to use the chain through the horses mouth - but of course one must do this with appropriately reasonable handling, as inappropriate use could easily result in injury. This is the only time that a chain is placed in the horses mouth - never outside the breeding situation. Also be aware that not all horses are comfortable with a chain through their mouth, so it does not work for all horses.
Kelly (63.172.47.231)
Posted on Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 12:58 pm:
Elizabeth- You are smart to consider all of these points well before you will need to use them. One of the things that I have had to correct with stallions that came to me for breeding, is that they have been taught to "back off" too well.
I have seen many stallions taught to run backwards while being corrected. This can be just as dangerous as one that jerks away while running forward. I would suggest that you teach your young stallion to back only 2-3 steps out of your territory when corrected. Any more, and he will learn that he is still getting away from you..only by backing up. There is a lot of power involved when a grown stallion decides to set back and pull. After you back him a few steps, ask him forward to you and reward him. That way, after he is corrected, he will feel safe that he is invited back and forgiven. Too much "correction" can result in a stallion deciding that he is better off taking his chances with flight or if cornered, fighting.
I personally do not run a chain through their mouth while breeding. The reason being, most of these stallions are performance animals and mouth sensitivity are important. You can have the best of intentions and still get into a situation where injury may occur. I prefer to use a lip chain under the upper lip. That way, the mouth is protected.
I suggest that your stallion be introduced to the lip chain before you actually have to use it, to avoid confusion on his part. However, he should never "get use to it". It should remain an important statement by you that you mean business.
Unless your stallion has been in a herd situation with mares that have taught him herd manners, I do not recommend that you pasture breed him at first. He or the mares could be injured while he fumbles at romance. Hand breeding is safe as long as you have an experienced handler to help you. Have a look at past postings on this board and you will get a good idea about what is expected during hand breeding. Good luck!
Anonymous
Posted on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 03:26 pm:
We have a complete different outfit for showing and breeding. The horse knows his tack after a while very well and associates each outfit with a certain activity. Furthermore when showing or training no stallion behavior is tolerated, basically he should behave like a gelding!!!! In the breeding shed he is allowed to voice his opinion, however biting a mare or other aggressive behavior is not tolerated either.
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