Jumping with a neck strap

[billiebob]

Please forgive me my silly questions, it’s been a while since I used one and that was under supervision from a knowledgeable friend. However, I desperately needed the reminder that hands go forward, hips go back so I threw an old stirrup leather 'round the horse’s neck tonight.

1. How high on the neck do you adjust it? I had it set about 6" in front of the breastplate and could very easily do a short release. Despite being tall, my arms are kind of short for my body so I don’t feel very balanced doing a long release.

2. Should you secure it to the horse in some way? I attached it to my horse’s mane with a braiding band. It seemed like a good idea in case my horse tripped.

It really helped a lot. Even if I forgot to grab the strap I at least remembered to release, even when my horse got the zoomies after about jump #6.

[subk]

I like to put one where I want my hands to be on a typical release–so it depends on your release. I don’t secure mine but it probably doesn’t matter.

Your instincts are good. I’ve seen an elite 4 star rider who uses one for the same reason–to remind herself that even though she is riding a hot number she still has to release and in SJ her hands go right to it over every jump.

[billiebob]

[QUOTE=subk;8135442]
I like to put one where I want my hands to be on a typical release–so it depends on your release. I don’t secure mine but it probably doesn’t matter.

Your instincts are good. I’ve seen an elite 4 star rider who uses one for the same reason–to remind herself that even though she is riding a hot number she still has to release and in SJ her hands go right to it over every jump.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I figured if neck straps are good enough for the likes of William Fox-Pitt and Sinead Halpin they’re a-ok for me and my 2’6 jumps! I liked it better than grabbing mane because I could put my hands along the side of the neck rather than right on top.

[SuzieQNutter]

I dont usually secure ot to the mane. I would hate to grab it and pull mane out.

[Winding_Down]

I use a neckstrap every day every ride and place it differently, depending on the horse and depending on what we are doing. I put it considerably lower (and therefore looser) when riding one of mine due to the airs above the ground that seem common with the spring season. So I keep one finger holding onto the strap for the first 10-20 minutes of a ride. I typically put it further up the neck, and hence tighter, when jumping but typically only for xc jumping. If it is higher up the neck, then you cannot use it for drops fences. I have also been known to use a neck strap on “dressage” day in order to steady myself in sitting bigger movements, eg, trot lengthenings and extensions. Just a quick grab to reorient and sit deeper helps to engage/support those core muscles that became lax over the winter months. :eek:

Love my neckstraps, and I feel nekkid without one. I used to use a retired stirrup leather but have found that the more narrrow neckstraps made for that purpose are much easier to use, especially given that I have smallish hands that cannot effectively hold both rein(s) and stirrup leather.

[ddashaq]

Where do you all buy your neck straps? I am another who uses it all the time but mine is a stirrup leather with the end wrapped (so it doesn’t flap) making it troublesome to adjust.

[sheltona01]

You can buy them at most tack stores. However an even easier way is to use a belt. Then you can buy as thin or thick as you want and also get some bling!

Or if you trust me ;), I need to work on my leather skills. I could make you one once I get some time.

[Reagan]

I like using a neck strap also, but always stop using it after a ride or two because when my horse stretches or reaches down to scratch a leg etc, it falls all the way down her neck. I then have a panic attack imagining what would happen if a foot were to find it’s way through the neck strap!

For those of you who don’t secure it, how do you keep it from falling down? Those who do secure it, how do you secure it? My mom had a little bungie cord type thing (somewhat like what keys are often attached to) that she used to secure hers to her saddle during trail riding, but it’s not very neat and keeps the neck strap too far back for a release.

And sheltona01, I would totally order a neck strap if you had them for a reasonable price! I’d love to get something that it thinner than a stirrup leather!

[jn4jenny]

[QUOTE=ddashaq;8136165]
Where do you all buy your neck straps? I am another who uses it all the time but mine is a stirrup leather with the end wrapped (so it doesn’t flap) making it troublesome to adjust.[/QUOTE]

Cheap and simple, and you can get a nameplate (warning: I gather these were designed more for mares running around in the field, so they’re designed to go pretty high up on the neck. If you’re using it for a riding neckstrap, measure the horse before you order.):
http://kyhorse.com/store/tack/strapgoods/neckstrap.htm

Nice and thin, although I would buy direct from Bartville instead of Nunn Finer:
http://www.nunnfiner.com/product-p/90.htm

The better-mousetrap approach to neck straps, which is the one I actually own and use. Has an elastic insert + a built-in dee ring in case you want to braid it into the mane. Warning: the sizing runs REALLY big. I own the Cob size and have used it on some bigass horses, up to 17 hands and with thick necks.
http://www.vtosaddlery.com/product/E/TNS.htm

[AmarachAcres]

I’ve seen people secure them to their breast collars. Some are made for that.

[QUOTE=Reagan;8136341]
I like using a neck strap also, but always stop using it after a ride or two because when my horse stretches or reaches down to scratch a leg etc, it falls all the way down her neck. I then have a panic attack imagining what would happen if a foot were to find it’s way through the neck strap!

For those of you who don’t secure it, how do you keep it from falling down? Those who do secure it, how do you secure it? My mom had a little bungie cord type thing (somewhat like what keys are often attached to) that she used to secure hers to her saddle during trail riding, but it’s not very neat and keeps the neck strap too far back for a release.

And sheltona01, I would totally order a neck strap if you had them for a reasonable price! I’d love to get something that it thinner than a stirrup leather![/QUOTE]

[AmarachAcres]

I’m curious, I’ve used neck straps lower down for security, deep seat, etc… never for jumping.

When jumping do you just size it smaller and move it up or do you ride with two? One for the release and one in the normal spot.

[normandy_shores]

![]( use the neck portion of an old standing martingale. Just cut out/pulled out the martingale portion and kept the neck.

I keep a death grip on mine while jumping, despite having a very nice reliable horse. It makes it so I can’t pull back, and I can soften my reins while still feeling like I’m holding on to something. It works out just fine for us. I do not tie it into the mane or secure it, and it sits pretty low, not too far in front of the breastplate.

[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/allymrtn/moo_zps34vwddhb.jpg)

[huntcup]

Speaking of a better mousetrap, has anyone seen/tried the Freejump System? Its an interesting breast collar type attachment to reins. I can’t decide if its the new miracle or expensive snake oil. The vendor at WEF selling these, Tack N Rider did not have an opinion.

[JER]

[QUOTE=normandy_shores;8136474]
I use the neck portion of an old standing martingale. [/QUOTE]

This works well if you want something that’s secure on the horse. IIRC, Nunn Finer sells this item as just a yoke with no martingale.

I have a thin leather neckstrap that I bought for $12. I use this when I don’t use a standing (meaning when I’m not at JMP, where one using a standing always). However, I have had some horses whose necks don’t hold a neckstrap so well, and in that case the yoke works better.

I also have a strap on my saddle because I sometimes find that a more optimal location for taking a hold while working on the flat.

[Winding_Down]

Yep the yoke is great if you want the neckstrap lower down on the neck and I use an old foxhunting breastplate and just take the straps off that connect to the saddle dees. I have one that I use for trailriding younger horses.

As for the regular neckstrap going down the neck when the horse drops his head, yep, that happens. It is a great yoga exercise to hang onto it as your horse takes a drink or stops to smell the flowers! I have not ever lost one, however, but I have come close. The ears are good at stopping the strap and and when the horse raises his head, the strap will slide back into place. Not sure if this is pony club approved.

[sheltona01]

PS, I was joking about the neck strap. I can make one, but I would just buy them from a tack store or a belt from target. They would be prettier. I know ddashaq in real life and was teasing her.

[crosscreeksh]

I’ve ridden with a race horse “Yoke” for over 40 years…never leave home without it. Works like the neck strap/stirrup leather, but is attached to the girth for better security and stays in place better. Great on young, green, flighty horses, as well as jumping…you are anchored without having to jerk the horse in the mouth!! You can get them in leather or biothane (my preference) due to strength and being carefree!! $19.95 from Big Dee’s!!

[billiebob]

[QUOTE=SuzieQNutter;8135508]
I dont usually secure ot to the mane. I would hate to grab it and pull mane out.[/QUOTE]

@Reagan;8136341

For those of you who don’t secure it, how do you keep it from falling down? Those who do secure it, how do you secure it? My mom had a little bungie cord type thing (somewhat like what keys are often attached to) that she used to secure hers to her saddle during trail riding, but it’s not very neat and keeps the neck strap too far back for a release.

I just looped a braiding band around the strap and banded it to a section of mane. I figured his mane needs pulling anyway, and, you know, two birds, one stone…

[SonnysMom]

I use the neck strap of an old standing martingale too.
. Finnegan loves to play in the water crossings so the strap wants to find its way to his ears. I am concerned when he is pawing he will get a hoof caught. When I trail ride I will just take a piece of white yarn and attach it to the saddle D’s. My horse is white so that is the color I have around and I think it looks better than the red I use for his tail since he kicks.

[Ajierene]

I use a racing yoke. I started using it when I started riding my trainer’s horses and it really helps keep my hands steady and reins ‘loose’ while still having a death grip on something if needed.

I have a leather one with my old schooling bridle, a nylon one with my nylon bridle that doubles as schooling and show purposes jumping bridle (WAY easy to clean), and a fancy leather one with padding to go with my fancy bridle for recognized shows.