I recommend the Happy Halter to anyone with horses whether for sport or pleasure as a natural and sensible way to increase relaxation and communication.
"Being a somewhat old fashioned horseman, when I was first approached with Happy Halter, I was very doubtful about its possible benefits to competition horses.
I tried it on numerous horses with very different temperments and found it to have a common and very positive effect on their ability to focus and hence be trained. I don't find any artificial aid a substitue for good riding, training and horsemanship but like anything else of this nature it can be a great asset in the right hands.
What I truly appreciate is that unlike severe bits, spurs, draw reigns and other artifical aids, there is absolutely no negative effect when fallen into inxperienced or bad hands.
I recommend this device to anyone with horses whether for sport or pleasure as a natural and sensible way to increase relaxation and communication."
Norman Dello Joio
About Norman: A longtime veteran of the United States Equestrian Team, Norman Dello Joio has contributed to many American victories in international competition since 1979.
Dello Joio is best known for two major titles-he won the 1983 FEI World Cup Final in Vienna, Austria, aboard the French-bred stallion I Love You; and he earned the Individual Bronze Medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics riding the chestnut gelding Irish.
Nicknamed "Stormin' Norman" for his aggressive riding style, Dello Joio was first named to the U.S. Olympic Team in 1980, but didn't compete due to the U.S. boycott. He established an American Grandprix Association record when he rode Johnny's Pocket to five wins in 1981.
