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Question:
I've heard that you are really opposed to using
stud chains. Why is that? We use them all the time.
Answer:
If we really love and care for our horses as
much as we say or think we do, why would we ever want to inflict
pain? Stud chains are used on the nose, below the chin or across
the gums. All of these areas are very delicate and sensitive.
I know that when a horse is out of control, we
can get frustrated and can get out of control ourselves and become a
victim of our emotions. The result may be that we take it out on
the horse. But, remember, it is never, ever the horses’ fault. It
is our responsibility to train the horse in a humane manner. You
may argue that you have seen difficult horses behave with a stud
chain, but the stud chain is only a temporary solution to a
behavioral problem. You usually see them on stallions but they are
also used on mares and geldings. Horses that have stud chains used
on them become dull and used to the pressure and pain they inflict
and they learn to just tolerate it. Take off the stud chain and the
horse is again out of control.
It has been proven in raising children that
inflicting pain does not produce a learned behavior. The use of
pain does not carry forward into the future positively. Although,
fear and pain can cause the reverse and create fear issues and
negative behaviors that do carry over. A learned behavior happens
when a correction is made and positive re-enforcement is used that
enables
the brain to connect the action with the
correct response. Then, the behavior becomes a conditioned response
and can be carried over into the future as what to do or what not to
do.
Although a stud chain gives you instant
gratification in that you achieve control of your horse, it is my
experience that within a short while the horse gets used to it and
all you get is a horse with a high head thrown into the air and one
that is still pulling and dragging you around. Every horse that I
know of that is having a stud chain used is still out of control.
Working with problem horses for the past
seventeen years has shown me that stud chains do not work. There is
no positive learned behavior. The horse has to have a reason to
make a change. If you work through the mind and by controlling the
parts (head, shoulder, hips), you have a learned behavior.
Inflicting pain does not motivate a horse to make a change. Pain
only intimidates the horse and he will become used to the pain and
just endure it.
Why inflict pain when we can train any horse,
even stallions to respond to cues and behave like gentlemen? They
are happier, calmer and better partners. The difference is the stud
chain is a quick fix. Training is an investment of time up front
that will be worth every second of it in the future if you want have
a responsive light horse and to truly enjoy your horse.
Charles Wilhelm
It’s Never Ever the Horse’s Fault
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