Why do I use rope-halters for communication, training and coaching as opposed to regular flat braided head-collars?
There’s a few reasons. But the main one is communication.
You’re up against quite a task in the first place, learning how to communicate with a being that is nonverbal. It is hard learning a language where they can’t explain to you exactly how they’re feeling, or why they are reacting as they are. So the accuracy of your communication matters.
I use rope-halters as they give you a more precise communication, a clearer conversation. A braided head-collar is wider, so your communication is a little bit more foggy. Where as a rope halter is more specific, has pressure points specifically to aid you. Now that might sound like they are aggressive, but it would be a mistake to make that assumption.
It’s never the tool or the aid (in this case the rope halter) it’s the hands that the aid is in, always.
Having said that, I do have regular normal head-collars for when it is appropriate, for example for trailering my horse. Or like the other day when we held a Masterson Method clinic, a wide, padded head-collar was the best option. In that instance we didn’t want interference from any additional pressure.
Down the Pub or at the Bank?
In other words, a regular head-collar in terms of its ability to aid you in communication and conversation, is a bit like being down the pub. Imagine you’re practicing your new language in a local bar. It’s an informal setting, and you’re having a good time with friends. It doesn’t matter that you mix your tenses or indeed matter that you mix your genders. It’s relaxed you’re out to have a good time and to communicate on some level that is social.
Rope-halters, are for when you need to converse and communicate more formally. When you need to be more accurate and be able to pinpoint specific answers to specific questions. For example, when talking to a bank manager or lawyer, both situations where you need to ask specific questions to get the answers that you need. Or any other formal situation where the answer matters. As opposed to the pub where you’re shouting over the noise and music. Using gestures and simple vocabulary. You get the idea right?
Put that “pub” conversation in front of somebody more formal and the answers are unlikely to be accurate. You’re wanting information that is specific, so you’re going to have to ask the right question to get that right answer. Otherwise how can you move forward? That’s when rope halters really comes into their own. And the one that I would always pick up for coaching and training.
But, as always, there is a time and a place for everything.
Add the aid don’t replace one with the other and make sure you are having the right conversation, at the right time, for the situation you are in.
Made to Measure Service
If you want a Bespoke Made to Measure rope-halter send us a message and we will be happy to help.
Thanks for listening.
“Connect with their MINDS and their Bodies will Follow”
THE WHOLE HORSE CODE
Other Stuff
Another blog post that you might like The Trading Post . Here you can not only contact us for a bespoke rope-halter but also find our trademark Barefoot Evolution T-shirt.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our Windchaser Ranch YouTube channel
