Quote:
Stud chains, when used correctly, should not inflict pain in the animal.
Sure does something they don't like, right? or people would not use them to correct the horses bad behavior nor would people use them if the horses did not change the behavior when using them.
I have used a stud chain before when my gelding was going completely off the wall (food issue) and needed a little reminder. If he tried to get ahead of me, the chain would put pressure on his nose. In response to this, he would slow down to release the pressure. Personally, I don't like them and feel in many cases they are unnecessary. I used mine once or twice before going back to just a plain halter and taking 20 minuets to get from point A to point B because I had to stop, turn him, back him up, etc. so many times. The fancy 'stud chain' now holds my gate closed, and my gelding is back to his old self.
But, like a bit, riding crop, or spur, your not supposed to yank, crank, or jab with it (pain). A stud chain, UNLIKE a halter, will cause uncomfortable pressure that the horse cannot lean against. There is a point beyond that where pain does come into play, but a chain should never be used to that point. Many people DO use it to the point, but they are wrong for doing so.
In a situation where a horse utterly freaks out, even a halter can cause a horse severe pain because the pressure has gone from 'uncomfortable' to 'dangerous'. Yes, a stud chain does have a lower point at which pain does come into play, but like I said that point should not be reached.
It's like rolling your spurs against your horse (pressure) versus jabbing them (pain). Tapping with your crop versus whipping with it, asking your horse to flex to the bit versus getting a death grip on the rein and forcing his head around.
