|
Q: I’ve heard that you are
really opposed to using stud chains. Why is that? We use them all
the time.
A: 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 or below the chin both areas are very sensitive, delicate
areas.
I know that when a
horse is out of control, we get frustrated and can get out of
control ourselves and become a victim of our emotions and take it
out on the horse. Remember, it is never, ever the horse’s fault. It
is our responsibility to train the horse in a humane manner. You may
argue that you have seen horses behave with a stud chain but the
stud chain is only a temporary solution. Horses become dull and used
to it and learn to just tolerate it.
But take that chain
off and that horse is again out of control.
It has been proven
that 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
is 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 to what to do or what not to do.
Although a stud chain gives you instant gratification 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
is still pulling and dragging you off. Every horse that I know of
that is using a stud chain is still out of control.
Working with
problem horse for the past twelve 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 do it through their
mind and controlling of parts you have a learned behavior.
Inflicting pain does not motivate a horse to make a change. It only
intimidates them and they become used to the pain.
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 |
