Halter Breaking
HALTER BREAKING
Minimize stress for all concerned.
Properly adjusted equipment. Consistent and quiet
techniques make it easy.
A. Use a rope halter (preferably nylon, 1/2 to 5/8
inch in diameter) with a long lead (at least 15
feet). Adjust and place nose piece high up on the
face and close to the eyes. This will prevent
slippage and gives maximum control with
minimum injury to the animal.
B. Let the animal drag the halter for a few days prior
to tying for the first time. The animal will learn
to "give" to the pressure when it steps on the rope
repeatedly.
C. Tie the animal first in a safe, confined area where it
is easily caught and can be tied to a solid fence post.
Snaring the rope with a show stick makes it easier.
Tie at eye level and about 12 inches from the
post; higher or lower positions can create
undue pressure on the spine and hind legs,
causing a potential spine or muscle injury.
Tie for a short duration. 15 or 20 minutes the
first few times is best. As soon as the animal
"gives" to the halter or wears out, turn it loose.
Release the calf calmly and don't let it jerk the
rope from your hands. Creating a situation of
early respect will be rewarded later.
D. Begin touching the animal as soon as possible.
Use a showstick. It allows you to be further
away and is less intimidating.
Next, get your hands on the animal anil your
body as close as possible. Be firm. Very slow and
deliberate movements are best. At this point, it
is most important to be patient and calm.
E. When teaching to lead, a "pull, release and
reward" method is best. Accept only a few steps
as progress and reward by releasing the pressure
on the halter and speaking to the animal. Voice
reward is very important. And again, it is very
important to be PATIENT AND CALM.
F. Take the animal to the wash rack as soon as it is
controllable. Rinsing with water seems to take
out the rest of the fight that is left and prevents
some possible kicking problems later.
III. Following the initial halter breaking, always tie the
animal's head up high to teach it to stand with its
head up and its feet under it properly.
IV. Halter breaking can be easy, successful and fun if begun
at an early age and you remember to be PATIENT.
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