Required Materials:
Two straps, each 10 cm wide (for ponies, 8 cm wide straps may also be used).
Effect & Benefits:
The Half-Body Strap combines the Base Body Strap with an additional strap around the torso. It offers horses a gentle way to get used to the feeling of a girth and can help both young and older horses release tension in the chest and shoulder area. It’s also ideal for preparing the horse for wearing a lunging girth or a belly strap when doing groundwork driving.
Application:
- Connect the two straps to create one longer strap.
- Begin by placing the Base Body Strap around the neck.
- Instead of tying the two ends together, guide the long end around the torso behind the shoulder and hand it over to a second person on the horse’s right side.
- From the right side, guide the rolled-up strap once around the existing neck band and then over the withers to the left side.
- Pass the originally loose end of the strap through the loop behind the left elbow, so both sides are symmetrical.
- Tie the ends together with a knot that is easy to undo.
Observations:
Many horses visibly relax, release tension in the neck, and begin to engage their hindquarters more effectively.
You may notice longer strides, softening at the base of the neck, and improved balance.
Watching the horse’s movement before and after applying the body straps often reveals clear changes.
Important Notes:
- Observe your horse closely for signs of unease (e.g., altered breathing, tense eyes or ears, increased muscle tension).
- If your horse is nervous, two people can initially hold the strap on either side to help the horse gradually get used to it.
- Allow the horse time to get used to the sensation of the straps before fully applying them.
Variations & Further Applications:
- For larger horses, the neck strap can be tied with a “tail” to which the second strap is attached.
- The Bridge Body Strap can be used in combination with other straps to support specific body areas.
Our Tip:
When lunging, the Bridge Body Strap can be a valuable aid. Unlike side reins or rigid training tools, it encourages the horse to move more naturally, lift the withers, and carry itself in a longer, freer frame.
