Tri-Tronics ViceBreaker H2 - Manual (Page 11)

Page 16 Page 17
Cribbing, Windsucking
Cribbing is a vice in which the horse sets its upper incisor teeth against an object,
arches its neck, pulls backward and sucks in air. This can lead to digestive problems.
During this process, endorphins are released into the horse’s system, giving the
horse a “high.” Most cribbers are hard to “keep” because of the digestive problems
and the fact that in some cases they would rather crib than eat. An additional
problem is the excessive wear on the front edges of the upper incisor teeth.
Cribbers will have a very strong drive to crib, thus making it one of the more
difficult vices to control.
Due to the “high” the horse receives while cribbing, you will most likely need to
work up to the higher intensity levels before he is convinced to stop. Some very
addicted cribbers may become restless and frustrated upon initially giving up the
habit similar to a person who has quit smoking. This will pass, so be persistent.
Leave the collar on for at least three weeks after you have seen the horse crib for
the last time.
If you need an active collar on your horse at all times, consider buying an extra
collar. This option enables you to charge one collar while the other is on the horse.
However, remember that the ViceBreaker
® H2 requires only two hours for a full
recharge.
Very rarely an older chronic cribber may associate the stimulation with wearing
the collar. We attribute this to the number and variety of cribbing collars these
horses have worn in their lifetime. These few horses will stop cribbing when the
collar is on, but may resume when it is removed. These horses need to wear a
dummy collar. The dummy collar can be worn loosely but is still effective, and
leaves no scars, marks or other ill effects.
Aggression Towards People, Kicking, Striking and Attacking
Kicking - The horse that habitually kicks at other horses or people is dangerous to
own or handle. Handle such horses cautiously, so that you are never where the
horse can kick you.
Striking - Striking with the forefeet is a dangerous vice, because the handler is
always vulnerable to injury. While handling these horses, always remain alert and
be sure to stay at the horse’s side, not in front of it.
Attacking/Charging - This is one of the most dangerous problems that the
ViceBreaker
® H2 can help you with. Fortunately, deliberate attacks on people are
not as common as the other vices. Not many horses are actually vicious, but any
aggressive horse must be controlled. The ViceBreaker
® H2 is very effective in these
cases in that it teaches the horse to respect the handler without fear. The handler
never personally inflicts discomfort on the horse, so he is able to gain the
horse’s confidence while still teaching it to obey.
As soon as the horse makes any attempt to kick, strike, or attack, he must be
corrected immediately!
For a very aggressive horse, we recommend, for your
safety, that you set the transmitter at a higher level.
Leave the collar on the horse at all times. As soon as
the horse’s ears go back and he comes at you, command
him with a sharp “No” and simultaneously press the
button. In this case hold the button down until you
are sure the horse has ceased his attack on you.
(If you hold the button down for longer than five
seconds, the stimulation will “time out.” To start
another correction, just press the button again.)