passing lead rope above nostrils

Question

lead rope above nostri   hello ma'am, there is a 6 year old bay gelding at our stable. the groom passes the lead rope like this coming just above the nostrils of the horse. upon asking him why he passed the lead rope like that, he told me that the horse bites. but, my trainer told me that this horse rears. now i am getting confused who is correct. can you tell me ma'am? i have attached an image. you can view it.

Answer
Hello Rohit,

Putting a lead rope just above the horse's nostrils is a way of getting more control of a horse. This positioning gives the handler more control because of the placement-a horse's muzzle is very sensitive. It also results in more leverage.

People also will use a chain over the nose...this can be harsh if the groom shanks the chain (gives it a sharp jerk). The chain should also be placed up and over the nosepiece of the halter so it does not lie directly on the horse's nose.

The grooms would use this method for biting or rearing. However, if they jerk on the horse's nose and CAUSE him pain he would rear from that.

Mitzi Summers

www.MitziSummers.com