How to Fit a Nose Chain on a Horse

Also called a stud chain, a nose chain is a basic piece of horse-training equipment that is reminiscent of a dog's choke chain. This simple piece of chain has a loop on one end and a snap on the other. While it can be used in different ways and positions on the horse's face, the chain is basically used to get the horse's attention when he is doing something wrong. Beneficial in various situations, nose chains are not difficult to attach or use.

  1. Reasons For Use

    • Nose chains are used to control stallions that are in training or being prepared for breeding; although with this category of horse, the nose chain may also be used under the lip for additional control of the animal. Horses that are poorly behaved or nervous can also benefit from using a nose chain, especially when they attempt to throw their head around, pull away or bite.

    How To Attach

    • Hold the horse in a standing position. Thread the portion of the chain with the snap on the end through the left cheek ring on the horse's bit and halter. Gently lay the chain over the horse's nose and thread it through the right cheek ring. The chain should then go under the horse's jaw -- not the chin -- to the buckle or loop on the bridle, and be pulled back through to snap to itself, using the snap on the chain. The lead rope can then be attached to the chain.

    Benefits of Use

    • The chain is used to distract the horse from his bad behavior; as it is gently pulled by the trainer, pressure is exerted across the horse's nose to give him an uncomfortable -- but not overtly painful -- sensation. The behavior should stop immediately, allowing the trainer more control over the horse's actions. Additionally, the horse associates the discomfort with the behavior, which he should then discontinue. Eventually, the nose chain should merely be used as a psychological tool to control the horse.

    How Not To Use It

    • Do not hold the nose chain tightly; this applies constant pressure to the horse's nose. Hold it loosely until you need the pressure to deter an unwanted behavior. Do not tether the horse with the nose chain; if the horse backs up or moves his head violently, he can inflict injury to himself by making the chain too tight, or being unable to loosen it. Placing the chain under the chin instead of the jaw can cause a horse to flip backward or rear up on his hind legs when pressure is applied. If the chain is threaded through the halter -- rather than the cheek rings -- it can slip into the horse's eye when pressure is applied, also causing unintentional injury. Remember to supervise a horse at all times while he is in a nose chain.