I have recently started volenteering at a theraputic riding center, and practically every horse is being led with a nose chain. The thing is, I'm not exactly sure they are nessacary, since they only seem to be used on stallions, young horses, and horses that have a tendancy to bolt. However, none of these horses or ponies fit those descriptions, and it looks like some have chain-inflicted damage. Secondly, if chains are needed, how does one handle using a chain? Thanks.

I can't imagine that any horse suitable for a therapeutic riding program would require a chain. I would ask them what purpose they serve.

I am instructor at a TR center! Thank you SO much for helping out.

We use chains on all but the 30 yr old semi retired pony. These horses carry some precious cargo, the chains act as an extra "brake" if the leader needs it.

When properly used, there is no pressure on the horse's nose. Only when pressure is applied they feel the chain.

When handling the chain, lead the horse like you would one w/out one.

Have fun at the center! If you have any questions please let me know.

The obvious reason would be for extra control. However, I've saw some pretty laid back easy going horses flip out when they feel the pressure from the nose chain. Even when properly introduced. Heck, just a couple weeks ago a boarder had a chain over the nose of her mare and the minute the mare pulled against it and felt the pressure, she lost it, broke the halter, and scratched her eye.

I'm sure the horses are introduced to being led with the chains, but so was this mare. To each their own I guess.

The chains are used as a precaution since most of the riders in a therapeutic riding program do not have the greatest balance or control. Most, if not all, therapeutic riding programs use chains on all their horses. These horses certainly do not NEED them, as they are specially chosen because of their quiet and obedient nature. However, they are horses and being so are unpredictable. It's just a precaution! The chains are no different from a regular lead rope if used correctly when being used this way. They just offer more control if the horse needs pressure applied to his head.

You can use a chain several ways. Under the chin - stick the snap through the left side lower ring of the halter, under the chin, and clip to the other side. If the chain is too long you can run it through the right side lower ring and clip on the right side upper ring. Over the nose - same thing except the chain goes over the nose instead of under. Most people wrap the chain once around the noseband to prevent it from sliding down the nose and damaging the cartilage that is at the tip of the nose.

As for their noses being damaged, that could be several things. A lot of therapeutic horses/ponies are older and some have worn ill-fitting halters a good portion of their lives, causing a bald spot on their nose. If these horses wear halters all the time, they could just have rubs from that. Chains will not cause any damage if they are using them correctly.

I know that extra control is needed, but what looks like chain damage is a little suspicious. It's not bald spots, but the area where the chain is looks malformed. I can't really get any pictures to show you because I am so busy with things that need doing, but I just have this gut feeling about it. It's hard to explain.

I Volunteered at a handicapped riding center for many years in my youth, we NEVER used chains, it was always a lead clipped to the horse's bit or to a halter underneath the bridle.

I would be very nervous of using a chain, Ive seen horses flip overbackwards from mis-use(either intentional or un-intentional) of a chain..

Add into the fact, where I volunteered, most of the leaders had limited horsey knowledge(they knew enough to lead, but I would not place a chain in the hands of alot of them)

Just Me Though...

The local theruputic (SP?) riding club does not use chains. I would be very uncomfortable to see almost all of their volunteers try to safely handle a horse with a chain. Most of their volunteers have no experience with horses.

By the way - a properly trained and handled stallion does not have to be handled with a chain. Right now there are 6 stallions (5 are mature breeding stallions and Kicks who is still a 3 y/o colt [read virgin] ) at the barn I board at and all are handled on a halter and lead shank (There are 2 that get the chain put on when they go out to cover a mare but only then). As with all horses- some are more laid back than others but all have good manners. If some of the mares and geldings had manners that were equal to the stallions - it would be a lot safer around the barn.

I would think that a chain would be a little harsh and if you need that kind of control that particular horse should not be used in the program. I think I would rather see rope halters with nose band knots in them for the greater control.

I didn't say that horses in a therapeutic program should use chains - in fact I think that they should not. IMO a horse that 'needs' a chain to be handled is not a canidate for the programs and most of the volunteers (at least with the local one) have little to no clue about handling horses.

I mentioned 2 stallions who have a chain used on them but ONLY when they are taken out to cover a mare. Neither of these stallions is a 'bad actor' but rather it is a cue to them - no chain means to be a 'gentleman', chain means they are going to see a 'lady' and it's OK to 'do the deed'.

Trying to post for the third time - lol

1. I am dead set against nose or chin chains.

2. If the horse(s) in question need a chain, either the handler(s) is doing something terribly wrong, or the horse shouldn't be in a therapy program.

3. Ask an equine dentist about the damage done to the teeth by use of chains ----especially when being used by people that only think they know what they're doing.

The nose and jaw are very very sensitive and often permanent mouth/tooth damage can occur

Yes, I believe I know what you are referring to. The nose gets rubbed so much that a bump forms where the halter has been. It it similar to a callous that forms on your hands when you you repetitive work that rubs the skin.

I haven't worked at this place so I can't be sure, but it is very unlikely that the rubs/nose deformities are from the chains. Even if they are being used incorrectly, they are not on for a long enough time to cause that type of damage. FYI, a lot of times this happens because the halter is too low on the nose, and resting on the cartilage instead of bone - halter nosebands should be no more than 2 fingers below the cheek bone.

If you don't like the use of chains, then find another place to volunteer. But please don't write off all therapeutic riding programs or even this one - they do so much good.

To all the others.... If the horse is trained properly, and the chain is properly used, it is NO different than any other lead except in an emergency, when it would give you more control.

These volunteers that have little to no horse experience SHOULD NOT be leading a therapeutic horse in a session. There are many other jobs for them to do, only experienced horse people - and by that I mean experience with horse behavior, the therapeutic program, and ideally the individual horses themselves - should be leading. There is far more responsibility on the leader than you think. They must always have their attention on the horse, while also listening to the instructor and being aware of the sidewalkers in case there is a problem. At the same time, they have to control the speed of the horse and keep him as steady as possible, keeping him focused for the entirety of the session.

As for the person who volunteered at a place where they used a lead clipped to the bridle or halter under the bridle, it sounds like your facility had more advanced riders who could control the horse at least somewhat. In a lot of programs, people who have a much greater mental and/or physical handicap are the majority. Some cannot even sit up on the horse, but must ride 'dead indian' style. In these cases the leader has sole control and responsibilty of the horse. In the very rare instance the horse acts up, I for one would like to know I have a little extra control if I decide to use it as a safety factor.

The horses 'flipping out' with a chain on is not an issue. These therapeutic horses are not just pulled from a pasture somewhere and thrown into the program because they seem calm. They are vigourously tested for their reactions to various stimuli and in different situations, and it takes a special horse to pass the test and become a therapeutic horse.

I think the problem here is that most people don't realize just how much work goes on behind the scenes in therapeutic riding programs.

Sorry if someone else mentioned this and I missed it but for those that do not know.....

NEVER tie with a chain on a horse.

The riding program is probably just trying to cover all angles to prevent a lawsuit. The nose issues are probably from halters being left on in their "previous" life. Hope you have a good time volunteering!

I can't understand why a chain would be on horses that were already quiet and docile? Isn't that what therapy horses have to be?

The only time I use a chain is when my horse has proven to me she won't stand for the farrier. I just clip it on and she's a different horse. She quiets right down and stands still. I don't need to pull on it at all, just the weight of it on her nose reminds her who is in charge.