Not so stupid questions?

[Guest]

Has anyone got a question that is really bothering them but don't want to ask it incase people think you're an idiot?
I have.
What does cold backed mean?

[Wally]

Cold backed means that the horse can react violently when the saddle is first put on. Sometimes you have to put the saddle on and leave it for about 20 minutes before the horse will allow you to mount. Some cold backed horses will buck like stink, some will just pull faces.

Folk will have spent 100's of punds in specialists trying to find a reason and the vets and chiropractors can, sometimes, find no cause.

With sold backed horses you just have to take things slowly and sometimes lunge them with the saddle before riding.

[Peanut]

When someone says that a horse's back has come up, is that the same thing?

[Ross]

There's no such thing as a stupid question - though there are plenty of stupid answers :)

Ross

[Wally]

If a horse gives you the feeling that his back has come up it might mean 2 things,

it might mean that he is about to buck, or it might mean that he has just engaged his hind end and is working through from behind.

[hApPiNeSs]

ok then, how do you pronounce

andulusian
hanoverian
chincoteague
equine :o :o :o (sorry... theres two ways...)
equitation

[Peace]

We may pronounce things a little differently over here:) , but I'd say:

Ann-duh-loo-zhun, stress on the -loo part;

Han (short a sound) O (long o) ver (as in very) ee un (stress the ver syllable);

shin - cuh- teeg (hard g as in girl) stress first syllable

equine I pronounce with a short e but I've heard it pronounced with a long one as well, as eh-kwine

[hackedoff]

1stTM, that is an excellent idea for a thread.............lemme see....:rolleyes:
What exactly is Navicular?

[Jessey]

If I remember rightly the acctual definition of navicular is pain which is focused around the navicula bone in the foot, so it may have nothing to do with the navicula bone its self and the acctual pain source may never be identified :( So although often called a disease it is really a syndrome, as it is no specific thing but just a compelation of symptoms.

J x

[domane]

Oh fabbo.... what is "leg yielding"?

And can anyone explain a "half-halt".... I get the feeling that this one is as easy to understand as "the offside-rule" :eek: . I understand the theory, but I haven't a clue how to "do" it!!! :rolleyes: (I have a friend whom I email loads of questions to but even SHE gave up on the half-halt and said you have to see it to understand!!! :( )

[Jessey]

http://www.equinenaturaltherapy.com/navicular_syndrome.htm

[RustyMary]

Thanks for the thread idea First Time Mum!

My question is just for interest as I'm a million years away from buying a horse. However I'm wondering about insurance - are your horses insured, and if so, what for? Vet bills? Theft? Death? Reading on this forum it seems that horses are such fragile creatures - if you spent £6000 or something like that and it died the next week from colic or a freak accident or because it couldn't get up, would you be able to reclaim any money from insurance?

Thanks NR forum - I can't ride at the moment as my RI is about to have a baby and I've only had 6 lessons, and I would be going crazy if I couldn't at least read about horses (and I've learned so much on here) and look at the pictures :D

[Colorado Sunset]

*coughs embarrasdly* Theres been loads of threads of this an i can never figure out what a rig is! ... care to elighten me :o

Leg yielding is when the horse moves forwards and sideways at the same time, on a diagonal line. So they face forwards and yet move diagonally. There is also a slight bend to the outside. I think someone asked this on another thread, have a search as I seem to remember a video was put up which might help :)

Jo

[horseygal90]

I had one... I can't for the life of me remember what it is...

[angelfben]

A rig is a male horse that has either one or both testes undescended and retained, ie retained in the abdomen. This means that normal castration won't be effective and rigs are often found as 'geldings' with stallion like tendencies and sometimes the ability to reproduce.

To fully castrate a rig requires an operation to remove the retained testicle.

[angelfben]

INSURANCE

I have both my horses insured. Predominantly because of the risk of vets bills which can easily get into their thousands and in this case insurance is essential as you can imagine! Also for 3rd party, so that for example if one of ny horses escapes onto the road and causes a traffic accident, my insurance company will cover me for legal fee's, compensation for others involved etc. There are lots of options for what you can insure against, theft or straying, vets bills to a certain amount (e.g. the 'standard' is often up to £10k but some people prefer to pay a higher monthly premium to insure up to £20 or even £50k), disposal in the event of death, you can also insure against loss of use, where if your horse in injured and no longer suitable for what you bought him for the insurance company will pay you a sum towards buying a new horse. The amount you get for all these things in the case of a claim is dependant on the value you insure your horse up to, which again effects how much you pay each month - the higher the value of your horse the more you pay each month.

For more details the Petplan website is very informative :)

[amandal]

ok then, how do you pronounce

andulusian
hanoverian
chincoteague
equine :o :o :o (sorry... theres two ways...)
equitation

I'd pronounce andalucian - anda - luth - ian, but what on earth is chincoteague - never heard of that one :o ?

[Imp]

Ok, brilliant thread! Here's my silly question - I'm assuming there will be no recourse to retribution or ridicule outside of this thread ;) .

When I was a kid the horses in my family ate grass and hay (occasionally some grain in winter). What's haylage please, everybody else seems to know? (G*d I feel daft asking that :o :o :o )

[RustyMary]

Two of my favourite books as a child were 'Misty of Chincoteague' and 'Stormy, Misty's foal' - I just loved the names :)

[Montana]

Haylage is hay which is cut, and instead of being left out, turned regularly, dried, then baled like hay, is cut, and immediately baled. It gets wrapped in layers of plastic, so it doesn't dry out, and more of the nutrition from the grass is kept.:D

[RustyMary]

I thought those big wrapped bundles were silage - what is the difference between haylage and silage then?

Thanks angelfben for the answer about insurance :)

[Peace]

but what on earth is chincoteague - never heard of that one :o ?

It's an island off the coast of Virginia. Once a year, its volunteer fire department goes over to Assateague, a neighboring island, rounds up the wild pony herd, and swims it across the channel back to Chincoteague. Some of the ponies are sold at auction to raise money for the fire dept., and the rest are returned to Assateague. :)

[Imp]

Montana wrote: Haylage is hay which is cut, and instead of being left out, turned regularly, dried, then baled like hay, is cut, and immediately baled. It gets wrapped in layers of plastic, so it doesn't dry out, and more of the nutrition from the grass is kept.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, so it's the same stuff but bagged early! Thanks for that I've been wondering for a while as it looks the same in the bags in the tack shop! :D

[Clipperchuck]

...

[Mehitabel]

Oh fabbo.... what is "leg yielding"?

And can anyone explain a "half-halt".... I get the feeling that this one is as easy to understand as "the offside-rule" :eek: . I understand the theory, but I haven't a clue how to "do" it!!! :rolleyes: (I have a friend whom I email loads of questions to but even SHE gave up on the half-halt and said you have to see it to understand!!! :( )
a half-halt is a pause. you almost come back to the pace below, then you push on again. so in walk, you almost halt, you pause for a second, and then you go on again. it rebalances the horse and is a signal that something is about to happen - so you half-halt before asking for something like a circle or something else a bit harder.

[Mehitabel]

I say Andalucian as

Anda LOOSE ian



I want to know this too :o



Also, can someone explain the difference between forging and overreaching :o
forging is clipping the underside of the front foot with the back toe - it bangs, hoof on shoe. overreaching is when they cut themselves on the back of the heel of the front foot with the hind foot.

[angelfben]

The difference between haylage and silage is the moistire content. Silage is basically grass pickled in its own juice. Silage is made by cutting grass and taking it off the field immediately while still wet, or wilting it for 24 hours but without turning and drying and then packing it tightly together and sealing out the air.

Hay, as we all know is dried and turned over days or even weeks and THEN baled.

Haylage is basically inbetween the two, it is allowed to dry more than silage and therefore has a lower moisture content. Typically silage contains 60 to 75per cent moisture compared, for example, to just 35 to 45 per cent in good haylage. The more moisture that is present increases the fermentation of the grass when it has been packaged which is why silage is unsuitable to feed to horses - as the unreliable fermentation can prove dangerous to horses and cause colic amongst other things. At worst it may allow the proliferation of undesirable micro-organisms, especially the chlostridial bacteria which cause botulism and can be fatal in horses. Also the acidity, low fibre content and likely high protein levels of silage make it unsuitable for horses.

Haylage is basically a happy medium between the two, dust-free and retaining more of the nutrition of the grass than hay, but more suitable for the sensitive nature of horses digestion than silage and with a higher fibre content.

[RustyMary]

Thanks a lot angelfben :)

[chickflick1066]

How do you pronounce Molasses?

I've got another...but can't remember:rolleyes:

[Mehitabel]

How do you pronounce Molasses?

I've got another...but can't remember:rolleyes:
it's a byproduct of sugar refining.

oops, thought you said produce, not pronounce!

muh-lah-siz.

[chickflick1066]

Ah thanks - always wanted to know what it means. How do you say it Mehit? Do you emphasize the 'asse' bit or not?

Oh we x-posted!

[Imp]

Ok, this is so successful I've got another one... how do you pronounce menage (sp?) and does it's purpose differ from the arena in my RS? :o :o :o :o (gonna need more embarrassment smilies at this rate)

[cosmic_angel_12]

where would you get a jar of molasses from?

[Clipperchuck]

...

[Pink's lady]

where would you get a jar of molasses from?


Otherwise known as 'black treacle'. Lyon&somebody or other make it - same people who make the Goldden Syrup. Comes in the red tin with the lid you have to lever off with a spoon.


Um.........I've always called it a 'mane-j' :o - same as the mange skin condition a dog gets

[BeachRiding]

Okay, I have a few

What exactly does it mean when a horse founders?

How far up is a western saddle supposed to be on the withers? pics please!

What is the difference between a Sorrel horse and a Chestnut horse?

[Mehitabel]

menage is french for household or housework, pronounced muh-naazh. (to rhyme with barge, but a softer sound at the end)
the thing you ride in is a manege. (or a school!) it's pronounced mah-nehzh to rhyme with hedge.

[*Sez*]

I always thought Sorrel and Chestnut were the same, but that Sorrel is more of an American term, as I've never ever heard it used over here but it is often used in American books (i.e., Misty of Chincoteague! :D ). I have first edition copies of Misty and Stormy and when I got to the end of Stormy I always wished it was an on-going never ending story!

[dcp]

Is a rig an accident? Like he wasn't meant to be a gelding but the vet missed one!

Why do horses sniff poo? Well mine sometimes does

[angelfben]

Lauren - there is details on rigs up page 1 of the thread :)

Horses sniff poo because they can identify 'who' it came from in a sense. In the wild the stallions in the herd will poo around the herd as a way of 'marking' their herd, and will be able to identify any strange stallions or horses from poo they don't recognise. I guess domestic horses sniff poo still to check for any intruders or threats to their 'herd', though it's more than likely also just curiosity. :)

[angelfben]

Laminitis results from the disruption (constant, intermittent, or short-term) of blood flow to the laminae in a horses hooves. These laminae structures within the foot secure the coffin bone (the wedge-shaped bone within the foot) to the hoof wall. Inflammation often permanently weakens the laminae and interferes with the wall/bone bond. In severe cases, the bone and the hoof wall can separate. In these situations, the coffin bone may rotate within the foot, be displaced downward ("sink") and eventually penetrate the sole.

The terms "laminitis" and "founder" are used interchangeably. However, founder usually refers to a chronic (long-term) condition associated with rotation of the coffin bone. Whereas, acute laminitis refers to symptoms associated with a sudden initial attack, including pain and inflammation of the laminae.

[Samantha1980]

How does a chifney fit in a horses mouth?
Whats the pupose of the chain on some pelhams?
Whats a fetlock ring for?
Thanks

[angelfben]

On a chifney, it is the top 'bar' that goes in the horses mouth, with the curved port resting on their tongue. The rest of the bit then goes underneath the chin and you lead from the ring at the bottom. So that if the horse tries to rear or pull away the bit and curve of the bit presses down hard on the tongue. I will try and find a picture.

[angelfben]

The chain you see on some pelhams and other bits such as the kimblewick acts on the curb groove just underneath teh horses jaw near the lip. It's a sensitive part of the horses muzzle and when pressure is applied can prove handy for extra brakes. On a bit with a curb chain, when youa pply pressure to the reins the bit moves in a way that pulls the chain towards the curb groove and applies pressure.. the tighter the curb chain initially the more prssure that is applied. Curb pressure can also encourage horses to drop their head which is why you often see them on Pelham's.

[Mehitabel]

Laminitis results from the disruption (constant, intermittent, or short-term) of blood flow to the laminae in a horses hooves. These laminae structures within the foot secure the coffin bone (the wedge-shaped bone within the foot) to the hoof wall. Inflammation often permanently weakens the laminae and interferes with the wall/bone bond. In severe cases, the bone and the hoof wall can separate. In these situations, the coffin bone may rotate within the foot, be displaced downward ("sink") and eventually penetrate the sole.

The terms "laminitis" and "founder" are used interchangeably. However, founder usually refers to a chronic (long-term) condition associated with rotation of the coffin bone. Whereas, acute laminitis refers to symptoms associated with a sudden initial attack, including pain and inflammation of the laminae.
in addition to this, you can think of the laminae as like velcro - there is a layer on the inside of the hoof wall, and a layer on the top of the coffin (also known as pedal) bone, the 2 layers interlock like velcro. when the blood supply is disrupted, they tear apart, and they bleed into the hoof - this is very painful becaues the hoof is rigid so can't swell up with the blood, so there is a lot of pressure. this is why laminitis is so painful.
because the pedal bone is normally velcroed to the hoof wall, it is at an angle. when the velcro tears, the weight of the horse on it can push it out of place so the point goes downwards so the pedal bone isn't parallel to the hoof wall any more. this is the founder, also known as rotation of the pedal bone.

[Giveitago]

What's 'Creep', is it weening a foal?

[Mehitabel]

What's 'Creep', is it weening a foal?
do you mean as in 'creep feed'? that's the only thing i've heard of. creep feed is the feed you give a foal before it's weaned, to start accustoming its gut to other food except grass and milk.

[Pink's lady]

Yep, only 'creep' I've heard off is creep feeding, like mehitabel said.

Theer's a good discription of laminitis and founders (http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=65556&highlight=laminitis)here, when it was asked a while ago.

Whats a fetlock ring for?
http://www.uksaddlery.com/usrimage/fetlock%20ring.jpg
It's same as over-reach boots - it stops the horse cutting the back of his fetlock with his hind hooves if he over-extends.

[Tiber]

I've also used a fetlock ring like that on my pony and a friend's pony who have a tendancy to interfere low down on their hind legs as they trot - basically they catch their coronet with the opposite foot as they bring it forward, cutting the hairs off and scratching the top of the hoof. The boot stops them doing this as they hit the boot first and it stops them hitting themselves.

You can also get bigger ones which are used to stop horses cutting their elbows when they are lying down. Never used one of them though.

[*Sez*]

Are fetlock rings used in pairs? I only ask because I have one in my tack room (just one, mind ;) ) and Sal over-reaches. He normally wears neoprene OR boots, but I'm always at a loss at what to do with him when they're at home in the wash. He over-reaches more with one leg than the other, so I guess my question is, can I put this on the foreleg most at risk of an accident when I don't have my OR boots, or am I supposed to use one on each foreleg?

[Clipperchuck]

...

[*Sez*]

My TB wears tendon boots. They provide support for the tendons and ligaments in the lower leg and fetlock, as well as impact protection in the same way as a brushing boot.
Brushing boots are for impact protection - from the legs brushing together, or a hoof knocking the opposite leg. You can also get jumping boots, which protect the front of the legs from impact when jumping.

Yes, as far as I know, OR and bell boots are the same, but I think the term Bell boot is normally used for the ones without the velcro fastenings.. correct me if I'm wrong!

[Montana]

How far up is a western saddle supposed to be on the withers? pics please!

What is the difference between a Sorrel horse and a Chestnut horse?

I've been told at a clinic last week that my saddle was too far back. The high point, under the horn, should be above the high point on the withers. This came from a really great US chiropractor.

Sorrel and chestnut, as I understand it, are the same colour, but apply to different breeds. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that a Quarter horse in that colour is sorrel, and other breeds are chestnut. I also think this is a UK/USA cross over - you don't generally hear the term sorrel over here, generally everything is chestnut.:rolleyes:

[horseygal90]

Remembered mine... First, why do most horses speed up if you lean forward? Is it 'cos they have less weight on their back, and if so, why doesn't this happen with lighter people?
Secondly, would leaning forward speed up a slow horse plod at all, or just make you look like you can't ride very well?

:D

[Pink's lady]

why do most horses speed up if you lean forward?

Many horses have learn that learning forward is what happens when they go for a gallop, so they make the assumtion you want to go faster.

But mostly it's because when you lean forwards most riders grip with their legs, signalling to the horse to go faster. Or nervous riders who curl up into the forward fetal postion clamp onto the horses and signal them to go faster too (or make the horse nervous with the tension).

But that only applies to a horse who has the desire to go faster, which brings me onto your second question -

would leaning forward speed up a slow horse plod at all

Nope, most plods will actually grind to a halt if you did that (unless you grip hard and kick). When you take the weight onto the stirrups, all your weight is concentrated under one small area (quite uncomfy) so the horse stops. And you can't drive with your seat.

I know Pink can do both. If she's in a silly or wound-up mood, leaning forwards makes her zoom off , but if she's relaxed, she stops dead if the rider leans forward (in walk at least, in trot she comes back to walk then stops;) ). Usually throwing them up her neck in the process, much to her amusement:rolleyes:

[MI Horsey]

What is the difference between a hunter and a hunter under saddle?I've been seeing alot of horses advertised as that ,but I'm so not gonna ask .Thanks !

[fiesty_filly]

Hunter consists of both 'hunter over fences' and 'hunter under saddle'. Usually in a division of hunter you have 2-3 over fences classes and one under saddle class. The over fences is judged in your performance over a course of about 8 fences, the under saddle is judged at walk, trot and canter. In both the horse must be a nice mover, have an easy look to it, the ride is supposed to look 'flawless'.

If a horse is advertised as just 'hunter under saddle' then it may be too young to jump yet or it just doesn't jump as well as it does on the flat.

[elise]

In the US the difference between Silage and Haylage is that Silage is made from chopped corn/stalks, and Haylage is from chopped hay. Generally cattle are fed Silage, and it's called silage because they keep it in the silo (so I suppose anything kept in a silo could be called silage by that reasoning).

[Sparklie]

Are fetlock rings used in pairs? I only ask because I have one in my tack room (just one, mind ;) ) and Sal over-reaches. He normally wears neoprene OR boots, but I'm always at a loss at what to do with him when they're at home in the wash. He over-reaches more with one leg than the other, so I guess my question is, can I put this on the foreleg most at risk of an accident when I don't have my OR boots, or am I supposed to use one on each foreleg?

as far as i can remember a fetlock rings (i always called them sausage boots) is used on the rear leg not the fore and it prevents the horse from clipping it's back legs together.

i've never heard of them being used on forelegs but i guess that could work. this now makes me think I've made up the first story

[sammywiskers]

And can anyone explain a "half-halt".... I get the feeling that this one is as easy to understand as "the offside-rule" . I understand the theory, but I haven't a clue how to "do" it!!! (I have a friend whom I email loads of questions to but even SHE gave up on the half-halt and said you have to see it to understand!!! )

a half-halt is a pause. you almost come back to the pace below, then you push on again. so in walk, you almost halt, you pause for a second, and then you go on again. it rebalances the horse and is a signal that something is about to happen - so you half-halt before asking for something like a circle or something else a bit harder.


I always thought a half halt was when you pulled back on the outside rein then gave it forward and then pullled it again ect until lit slowed back the horse, i do this when my pony tanks with me and it works really well! But apparently this isnt right so i wonder if i just made this up !!??

[*Sez*]

It's same as over-reach boots - it stops the horse cutting the back of his fetlock with his hind hooves if he over-extends

as far as i can remember a fetlock rings (i always called them sausage boots) is used on the rear leg not the fore and it prevents the horse from clipping it's back legs together.

i've never heard of them being used on forelegs but i guess that could work. this now makes me think I've made up the first story

Now I'm confused:confused:. The first description sounds like it goes around the fetlock on the foreleg to "bounce" the back hoof away... or am I just misinterpreting?

[Pink's lady]

Now I'm confused:confused:. The first description sounds like it goes around the fetlock on the foreleg to "bounce" the back hoof away... or am I just misinterpreting?


Yep, now I'm confused too - I've only seen them used on one horse, and that was on the front legs, one on each leg. Maybe the owner had it wrong though:rolleyes:

[Sparklie]

damn i'm confused and i answered you!! :o

i've only seen them on police horses and that was on one rear leg around the pastern where i was told it prevented the back pasterns from clashing together and causing damage.

However...

this site http://www.goodwoods.com.au/category244_1.htm says this:

"Fetlock Ring: Prevents horse from stepping on its hoof and causing damage. Used either in the stable or during exercise"

which goes along with Pink's explanation

and this site http://www.horsedata.co.uk/horse%20boots.asp says this:

"The sausage boot is also known as the anti-brushing ring and is fitted around the pastern area of the back leg. This boot protects against low knocks around the coronet and a fastening strap holds the boot in place. The boot should not be fitted too tightly as it needs to be able to move around but if it is fitted too loosely it may end up over the hoof"

are they not the same thing?
now I'm even more confused :rolleyes:
any ideas!?

[MissFliss]

How do you pronounce puissance? I've been too embarrased to say it in public in case I stuff it up!

[Sparklie]

puissance = puh - wee - saun (as is sauna) - ss

if that made any sense

[aBreeze]

How far up is a western saddle supposed to be on the withers? pics please!

What is the difference between a Sorrel horse and a Chestnut horse?

Western saddle... I love ws's because, as long as they fit correctly, they tend to place themselves. I like to put it on initially so that the cinch runs right behind the elbow, and then shake it a bit until it places itself firmly. Different saddles fit different horses in different ways... heres my girl, Dollie, and her saddle... its not the greatest picture but its something...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v229/aBreeze/Horses%20at%20Home/Miss%20Dollie/bodyshot.jpg

Chestnut vs Sorrel... Iv heard many different theories and opinions... but Iv always just gone with -> a more reddish horse = sorrel, a more brownish horse = chestnut

example ->
sorrel =>
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/Tinker05/22-25weeks/disheveled.jpg

chestnut =>
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/hollywoodriders05/kcjump.jpg

[arabianbaby]

i think sorrel is actually a bit lighter and NOT so reddish.. and usually has a blonde mane and tail. but i could be very wrong. :P

what are voltes? i know but am having a brain freeze since my daughter just asked me.

[domane]

....ok, here's another....

Is "chop" the same as chaff? Keep seeing and hearing people referring to "chop" and just wondered if it is the same, just a different word for it?

Thanks :rolleyes:

[elise]

I've always been told that Sorrel and Chestnut are the same color, just used by different people. Generally english riders use Chestnut and western riders use Sorrel. My paint is registered as a Sorrel Overo Paint.

Western saddle, here's some photos of my boys with theirs on.
http://www.ineedanap.net/farmgirl/photos/05/954_axelsready.jpg

http://www.ineedanap.net/farmgirl/photos/05/957_codysready.jpg

[AllEquestrian]

what are voltes? i know but am having a brain freeze since my daughter just asked me.

"Volte - Small circle of less than ten (usually six) metres in diameter"

[horseygal90]

What's the difference between a numnah and a saddle cloth/pad?

[StormyJ]

Ann-duh-loo-zhun, stress on the -loo part;

I'm pretty sure it's spelt andalusian, so i would say an-**(it won't let me write d a)-loo-jhee-an (scrunch up "jhee-an")

I say pwee-son (soft n) sss, but I only found that out recently, i used to think it was poo-ee-sonce! :rolleyes:

What are sickle hocks? I've never known, and it really bugs me when i see it on a post and have no idea what they are on about! :rolleyes:

Elise - loving your horses!:D

[Kira657]

as far as i can remember a fetlock rings (i always called them sausage boots) is used on the rear leg not the fore and it prevents the horse from clipping it's back legs together.

i've never heard of them being used on forelegs but i guess that could work. this now makes me think I've made up the first story


Me neither!They go on the hind leg, it has the same function as an over-reach boot but its for a hind leg, protecting it from being clipped by the other hind foot and you normally only need one

[redcedar]

What's the difference between a numnah and a saddle cloth/pad?

Numnah is saddle shaped peice of material under the saddle and a saddle cloth/pad is rectangular or square shaped (like a poly pad / western saddle pad ) peice of material that goes under the saddle .

[Sparklie]

Me neither!They go on the hind leg, it has the same function as an over-reach boot but its for a hind leg, protecting it from being clipped by the other hind foot and you normally only need one

oh good...for a minute there i thought i was losing my mind!

[SwiftwindSpirit]

ok then, how do you pronounce

andulusian
hanoverian
chincoteague
equine :o :o :o (sorry... theres two ways...)
equitation

This is how I prononce these words...

Andalusian - Anda-loo-shun
Hanoverian - Hano-ve-rian (ve as in very)
Chincoteague - never heard of it, sorry...
Equine - Eee-kwine (though many people say eh-kwine... Us Australians add emphasis on the first syllable of words)
Equitation - Eh-kwi-tay-shun (eh as in elephant)

I know I have plenty of questions.. I just can't think of any right now.

[xXSundanceBayXx]

what does LMAO mean??

[L34NN3]

LMAO - laugh my a**e off (or *ss if your from over the big pond)

I'd been taught a volte was a 6m circle but as you come back to the track you change rein - look like an icecream cone shape.

I like this thread...

[Zingy]

LMAO - laugh my ar*e off

What do the police do with escapee horses once they've caught them if noone knows who they belong to?

[L34NN3]

Ive no idea to that one but you can bet they'll have a pound like they have (used to have) for dogs and it's up to the owners to claim them.

[cosmic_angel_12]

LMAO - laugh my a**e off (or *ss if your from over the big pond)

...
What does the big pond mean?

[chickflick1066]

I'm guessing that big ocean between the UK and USA?

[Talou]

I'm pretty sure it's spelt andalusian, so i would say an-**(it won't let me write d a)-loo-jhee-an (scrunch up "jhee-an")

I say it the same way you do StormyJ.

'Puissance' is a french word meaning 'powerful' (just a bit of extra info for anyone who's interested)
I just say it in french...but I don't know how to show you guys how I pronounce it..sorry.

Equine- I pronounce it as eh-kwine

What does cross-posted mean??? So many people have explained and yet I still don't understand!

:)

[pengapenga]

This is a great thread:) I can't think of a question of my own, mind has gone blank:)

[old_mare]

A question - when showjumpers are advertised, they say BSJA winnings actual £xxx not £xx
What's the "not" part about??

[Colorado Sunset]

I'd been taught a volte was a 6m circle but as you come back to the track you change rein - look like an icecream cone shape.


Thats a demi-volte (demi- half, volte-circle)

[Pink's lady]

My question - what is a VSD saddle!?


Very Slightly Dressage. Slightly straighter flaps, and a slightly deeper seat then a GP. Still OK to jump in, though not ideal.

[Montana]

What does cross-posted mean??? So many people have explained and yet I still don't understand!

:)

Cross posted means you posted the at the same time as someone else, and usually that you have both said the same thing at the same time:p

[Pink's lady]

Almost. It means that whilst your writting you're reply, someone else post a reply, often saying the same thing as yours. You won't see it until you submit your post. By which time it's too late:rolleyes:

[CanadianRider]

Here's one,

Why do we "rise and fall with the leg on the wall"? and not the other way around.

[Dreamchaser]

Well... I am not positive on this one, so correct me if I am wrong. I think it is because when you post on one diagonal it uses different muscles in the horse than on the other diagonal. So you want to use both mucles equally and that is the easiest way to make sure of that. Okay, now that I have said that, it doesn't sound right.

[Guest]

What does ad-lib feeding mean:eek:

[hApPiNeSs]

erm... im useless at explaining things, but if you were to feed 'ad-lib' hay, your horse would be free to eat as much hay as they want... is that right?:o

[Mehitabel]

Here's one,

Why do we "rise and fall with the leg on the wall"? and not the other way around.
because it helps the horse ot balance round corners. when they trot, the legs move in diagonal pairs. so on the correct diagonal, we are sitting as the outside foreleg is on the floor, which keeps our weight to the outside slightly. if we are sitting as the inside foreleg is on the floor, we weight the inside of the horse and make the horse fall in and lose balance, and motorbike round the corner.

[Mehitabel]

What does ad-lib feeding mean:eek:
happiness is right - ad lib is latin an abbreviation for 'at liberty' - so when oyu feed ad lib hay it means as much as they want.

[moosey789]

Cud some one please give me some details about join up??
I did put a post on the forum but no1 replied :( lol oh well :D
ny details will be appreciated thnx x x x

[Dreamchaser]

Here is something I thought of that I always get confused about. Is a paint just a colour, or is it also a breed?

[Cheeky]

Allo .. Great thread :)

Ok .. I am completely lost with boots and bandages. We have some working bandages, but I have heard that when using bandages you use a foam mat-kinda-thing under the bandage so the pressure is not as harsh.

a) is this true?
b) how thick should the foamy stuff be?
c) does the same apply to the tail (obviously diff bandages)
d) what is the actual purpose of working bandages? is it just for support for ligaments (as well as some people for fashion lol). Also what is the max time the bandages should be on? I know that they shouldnt be on for like hours as its bad for their legs.
e) working boots .. do they need the foamy stuff too? I know the ones with included padding obviously dont, or the fluffy ones ..
f) would you recomend them on a training horse?
g) w00t lotsa q's :) there are so many out there. . which ones would you suggest and why?

I could go thru the alphabet :p

Now a few on hooves .. sorry guys!
Missy needs her feet attended to ergently. She will need shoes as she has a few small cracks making their way upwards (she isnt ridden heavily - mayb once a week max), and lives in mostly sand conditions and not stabled. They break (like our nails .. get jaggy round the edges) really easily ..

a) I know she needs shoes .. what type?
b) would toe shoes be sufficiant?

thanks all :)

[Cheeky]

Moosey ..

Join up - is what Monty Robberts can be known for.

Join-Up training methods are most simply expressed in the process of starting raw horses. Without the use of pain or force the trainer persuades a raw horse to accept a saddle, bridle and rider. Working in a round pen, one begins Join-Up® by making large movements and noise as a predator would and begins driving the horse to run away. She then gives the horse the option to flee or Join-Up®. Through body language, the trainer will ask, "Will you pay me the respect due to a herd leader and join and follow me?" The horse will respond with predictable herd behavior: by locking an ear on her, then by licking and chewing and dropping his head in a display of trust. The exchange concludes with the trainer adopting passive body language, turning her back on the horse and without eye contact, invites him to come close. Join-Up occurs when the animal willingly chooses to be with the human and walks toward her accepting her leadership and protection. This process of communication through behavior and body language and mutual concern and respect, can be a valuable tool to strengthen all other work with horses.

That is taken from a monty robberts website .. but I disagree that you should join up and saddle up too. But hey .. thats how he does it.

I see join up as a partnership .. you ask the horse to drive away from you .. and they will run around the pen. You stop, and ask if they would like to communicate to you and work together - he will lick his lips etc (like Monty said) .. you then test the partnership to see if he really means business (following you, move the way you go etc). This is the start of the partnership :) you can then move onto 'follow up' etc ..

http://www.montyroberts.com.au is a great site and answers a lot of questions :)

[Mehitabel]

Allo .. Great thread :)

Ok .. I am completely lost with boots and bandages. We have some working bandages, but I have heard that when using bandages you use a foam mat-kinda-thing under the bandage so the pressure is not as harsh.

a) is this true?
b) how thick should the foamy stuff be?
c) does the same apply to the tail (obviously diff bandages)
d) what is the actual purpose of working bandages? is it just for support for ligaments (as well as some people for fashion lol). Also what is the max time the bandages should be on? I know that they shouldnt be on for like hours as its bad for their legs.
e) working boots .. do they need the foamy stuff too? I know the ones with included padding obviously dont, or the fluffy ones ..
f) would you recomend them on a training horse?
g) w00t lotsa q's :) there are so many out there. . which ones would you suggest and why?

I could go thru the alphabet :p

Now a few on hooves .. sorry guys!
Missy needs her feet attended to ergently. She will need shoes as she has a few small cracks making their way upwards (she isnt ridden heavily - mayb once a week max), and lives in mostly sand conditions and not stabled. They break (like our nails .. get jaggy round the edges) really easily ..

a) I know she needs shoes .. what type?
b) would toe shoes be sufficiant?

thanks all :)

a - yes, unless they are polo wraps, which are just felt, not stretchy, and purely for dressage-queeniness.

b - it is normally sold in sheets which you cut to size - it's a bit less than a cm thick. it's called fybagee in the UK.

c - no. exercise bandages and tail bandages are actually the same thing, but tail bandages are left on as short a time as possible - just for a journey, for example.

d - exercise bandages are for protection, same as boots. they don't really support anything useful, since the forces on the leg come up through the ground, so wrapping things round the ourtside of the leg has a minimal effect on that.

e - no. with bandages, unless you are super-skilled, the pressure will always be slightly uneven as you wrap it round - boots are all one piece, so you don't have that problem. the fybagee is to absorb that pressure in the places where it's a bit tighter, so ther is even pressure all the way round the leg.

f - i don't like to use boots or bandages except for lungeing and cross country. i figure the horse ought to be able to work without treading on itself. the exception is high level dressage, lots ofd sideways things and more likely to knock themselves, or a horse which doesn't move straight and habitually brushes or catches itself.

g - see above - i don't use them. which ones are apropriate depends on what the horse does - brushing boots if it brushes., tendon boots if it is prone to high overreaching.

feet questions - ask the farrier. each horse's needs are individual. you might need a supplement though, to help the internal strength of the feet, if they are cracking badly.

[elise]

A paint is a horse, either Quarter horse or Thouroughbred that has excessive white colorings.

Any other breed of horse that has excessive white colorings is considered a Pinto.

As far as Quarter horses go and I assume TBs as well, the AQHA wasn't considering QHs for registration if their socks were too high or they had too much facial white (and also excessive white on the body) so they started the APHA. Though the AQHA is now accepting QHs with excessive white.

[Talou]

It means that whilst your writting you're reply, someone else post a reply, often saying the same thing as yours. You won't see it until you submit your post. By which time it's too late

Thanks! :)
I'd always been confused by it!

[Dreamchaser]

A paint is a horse, either Quarter horse or Thouroughbred that has excessive white colorings.

Any other breed of horse that has excessive white colorings is considered a Pinto.

As far as Quarter horses go and I assume TBs as well, the AQHA wasn't considering QHs for registration if their socks were too high or they had too much facial white (and also excessive white on the body) so they started the APHA. Though the AQHA is now accepting QHs with excessive white.

So Dolly is a paint warmblood cross. That means that she is really crossed with a quarter horse or such?

[Cheeky]

wow thanks a bunch Mehitabel .. greatly appriciated :)

I dont use boots or anything like that ever .. only old mac's on Cheek coz he has sensitive feet (lol big sook too.).

thanks again :)

[Bay Mare]

Is "chop" the same as chaff? Keep seeing and hearing people referring to "chop" and just wondered if it is the same, just a different word for it?

In theory they're not the same but do tend to be used interchangeably.

CHAFF is the 'hairy' bit at the end of the wheat (the grain husks) which is why you get the saying "sorting the wheat from the chaff" (the chaff being the bit that is wasted).

[Bay Mare]

Something that I've had conflicting comments on:

I know that 'Warmblood' as a 'tag' is specific to certain breeds of horse BUT as Saff is an Irish Sport Horse (Irish Draft x TB) is she, in theory, a warmblood (with a small 'w')?

[Mehitabel]

Something that I've had conflicting comments on:

I know that 'Warmblood' as a 'tag' is specific to certain breeds of horse BUT as Saff is an Irish Sport Horse (Irish Draft x TB) is she, in theory, a warmblood (with a small 'w')?
no. back in the beginning days of breeding, a warmblood was a hotblood x coldblood - but not any more, now that it is a recognised type. she is a sports horse - and while the majority of warmbloods could be sports horses, not all sports horses are warmbloods.
you *could* call her a warmblood with a small w, but it would confuse people and the Warmblood breeders would get very hot under the collar.

[horseygal90]

What's 4H?

[Bay Mare]

no. back in the beginning days of breeding, a warmblood was a hotblood x coldblood - but not any more, now that it is a recognised type. she is a sports horse - and while the majority of warmbloods could be sports horses, not all sports horses are warmbloods.
you *could* call her a warmblood with a small w, but it would confuse people and the Warmblood breeders would get very hot under the collar.

Thank you and, no, I don't want to call her a warmblood (big w or small ;) ), that wasn't the reason that I asked the question :) We were discussing cold blood/wb/hot blood a while ago and someone said that she was 'cold blood' which I didnt think was strictly correct hence me asking!

[moosey789]

dumb v v dumb questions :o

I have read loads of peeps mentions there "neds"? Care to enlighten me ny1? I have been guessing tht its there horses?? Am i right or horridly wrong lol :o

[dcp]

When I saw the word ned I immediatly thought of a small boy/man with a burberry cap and trackie bottoms hehe ;)

Neddie isn't that another world for a horse?

Oh I have my own one. What happens if you feed two types of chaff? Like I don't know a mollased one and one with alfa a?

[moosey789]

Moosey ..

Join up - is what Monty Robberts can be known for.



That is taken from a monty robberts website .. but I disagree that you should join up and saddle up too. But hey .. thats how he does it.

I see join up as a partnership .. you ask the horse to drive away from you .. and they will run around the pen. You stop, and ask if they would like to communicate to you and work together - he will lick his lips etc (like Monty said) .. you then test the partnership to see if he really means business (following you, move the way you go etc). This is the start of the partnership :) you can then move onto 'follow up' etc ..

http://www.montyroberts.com.au is a great site and answers a lot of questions :)


Thnx for tht, vry helpful

Thnx again and have a gd xmas x x x x

[elise]

4H is a program in the US for grade school through high school age kids. It's basically a farm program, outside of school, where the kids raise and show various farm animals including horses, as well as learn various things about running farms and agriculture businesses. Usually it was the kids that grew up on farms that would join 4H. Kind of like boy scouts or girl scouts or other groups like that aimed at farm kids.

[elise]

So Dolly is a paint warmblood cross. That means that she is really crossed with a quarter horse or such?

Yeah, that would mean somewhere she is either part Quarter Horse or TB. Albeit pretty dilute from mixing TB and QH alot to get many of the paint horses.

My boy Cody is a registered paint, here's his pedigree which shows quite a bit of QH and TB here, there, and everywhere.

http://www.ineedanap.net/farmgirl/photos/about/cody_pedigree.jpg

[laura jeanne]

4-H

I looked this up because even though I have always heard about 4-H clubs, I didn't know what the 4 h's stood for. So:

What do the four H's in 4-H stand for? What is 4-H?

Head, Heart, Hands, and Health are the four H's in 4-H, and they are the four values our members work on through fun and engaging programs.

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.

4-Hers do this in a number of ways. First, they can start locally in a 4-H club. There, they can learn about any topic they would like. 4-Hers can then go on to participate in public speaking contests, 4-H fairs, conferences locally and nationally, and so much more!

Each 4-Her defines their own 4-H experience so the possibilites are endless!

[RustyMary]

I was watching the World Cup in Geneva on Eurosport yesterday, and I was wondering why the showjumping horses wear little hats on their ears? One dark horse had a white 'hat' and it looked like one of those Alice bands with antlers or something sticking up - I guess the reason isn't to dress them up though! It was actually my OH who noticed it first and I said I didn't know why, but I definitely know someone who does.... Long live NR :D

[Colorado Sunset]

I was watching the World Cup in Geneva on Eurosport yesterday, and I was wondering why the showjumping horses wear little hats on their ears? One dark horse had a white 'hat' and it looked like one of those Alice bands with antlers or something sticking up - I guess the reason isn't to dress them up though! It was actually my OH who noticed it first and I said I didn't know why, but I definitely know someone who does.... Long live NR :D

I watched that to :D Anyway, your question- they are to muffle the noise of the crowd :D

Jo

[elise]

I watched that to :D Anyway, your question- they are to muffle the noise of the crowd :D

And you can also get some with fringe on them to kind of help with flies. I belive if you look for them online you can find them listed as Fly Nets or Ear Nets. I've actually crocheted a couple for a silent auction this year.

This was my first try at one, it didn't fit the horse I had modelling ;)

http://www.gaetzfamily.com/elise/photos/Xhorses/639_me_and_zhar.jpg

[RustyMary]

Thank you! :)

[k8schmutz]

Fantastic thread!
Someone said about playing horseball with one of those giant gym balls. How would you play that?
Oh, and how would you stop a horse from forging?
Thanks!

[Pink's lady]

What happens if you feed two types of chaff? Like I don't know a mollased one and one with alfa a?

They explode;) :D ............................not much really. Each chaff type has different nutritional values so mixing them gives you a blend of values. Bit like mixing different types of hard-feed. Mollassesed chaff tends to be cheap, poor quality chaff, so mixing it with Alfa-A (a high protien, higher energy, better quality chaff) just dilutes the alfa-a. Make sit taste nicer though.

how would you stop a horse from forging?

Make sure their hind toes aren't too long, put over reach-boots on and get them fit. Most forging horses do so when tired - they aren't quick enough in lifting their front feet. Or going barefoot solves the problem entirely;)

[chickflick1066]

Great thread

How do you measure for a dressage girth?

How long should you leave before riding after a feed?

Whats the proper way to cool a horse down? And also - should you use a net cooler or a fleece cooler?

[Pink's lady]

How do you measure for a dressage girth?

From roller of buckle to roller of buckle. I've just measured my old dressage girth and it'a exactly the 26inchs from buckle to buckle that it's meant to be


How long should you leave before riding after a feed?

Meant to be an hour, but you'd get away with 45mins. Depends how much of a 'feed' they get though and how much work they're going to be doing- a proper meal would be an hour, but a token feed (i.e a handful of chaff), just 15mins or so.

[chickflick1066]

From roller of buckle to roller of buckle. I've just measured my old dressage girth and it'a exactly the 26inchs from buckle to buckle that it's meant to be
LOL, I meant how do you work out what size dressage girth to get if you've only got a normal girth.:o

[k8schmutz]

Make sure their hind toes aren't too long, put over reach-boots on and get them fit. Most forging horses do so when tired - they aren't quick enough in lifting their front feet. Or going barefoot solves the problem entirely;)

You'd think that wouldn't you, but Lulu has to be awkward :rolleyes: She has over reach boots, is barefoot at the back and forges at anytime during the ride not just when she's tired :o

[Pink's lady]

LOL, I meant how do you work out what size dressage girth to get if you've only got a normal girth.:o

huh? you mean if you have a new dressage saddle and you need a girth? Trial and error I'm afraid. Or pinching someone elses girth. You can just guess though. I had to guess Pinks and got a 26, which was perfect. She's normally in a 54 normal girth

[chickflick1066]

Ahh ok, sorry for being awkward :o

Stumpy is a 48/50 inch in a normal girth so i'll go for the 24 mark.

[L34NN3]

BSJA winnings as asked before £xx means won tens £xxx means won hundreds...

[Pink's lady]

Now I have a question for the dressage/leather people.

Just got my (lovely, I'm in love:D it's just so soft and smells so lovely:D ) new shaped dressage girth for Pink. It's stunning but has two funny buckles on it that I'm not sure what they're for -

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/Pinkslady/Editted%20photos%20etc/Newgrith.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/Pinkslady/Editted%20photos%20etc/newgirthbuckles.jpg

I thought maybe they might be for an over-girth for XC, but why would they be on a 28inch dressage girth? :confused: And they're really little.

Anyway, if they're not essential, which they don't look, I'm going to (VERY carefully:eek: ) cut them off cos they just jingle about:rolleyes:

[fiesty_filly]

Anyway, if they're not essential, which they don't look, I'm going to (VERY carefully:eek: ) cut them off cos they just jingle about:rolleyes:

I don't really know what they are for but it's just the jingling that bothers you maybe you should just tape them down until you find out what they are for, it looks like a nice expensive girth and it would really suck if someday you actually needed those buckles. You could probably use a little piece of black electrical tape and it wouldn't even be noticeable.

[elise]

Now I have a question for the dressage/leather people.

I thought maybe they might be for an over-girth for XC, but why would they be on a 28inch dressage girth? :confused: And they're really little.


We have a dressage saddle at one of my barns that has an extra strap that buckles right onto that extra buckle you have on your girth. I think you are right that it's for an overgirth, assuming that's what it's called in dressage as well. The strap on the dressage saddle is actually connected to the flap instead of under the flap like the regular billets.

[Sparky.Steph]

wow this is a good post...

i have a few questions...

1) how do you measure for a bit? is it a case of trial and error?

2) does chaff give any extra unwanted energy?

3) whats a good-doer?

[L34NN3]

Bit - I'm sure there's some sort of formula (that i don't know about) maybe like you can get pony/cob/full headcollars...

Chaff - is a low energy feed. It's the rubbishy bit (separating the wheat from the chaff) really and is mainly fibre with little energy. it's good for good-doers...

Good doer - A horse or pony that puts weight on really easily like natives. They need little or no hard feed. Usually just a handful of chaff to allow vitamins to be given.

That girth can be used with a close contact eventing saddle - they fasten the same way. I guess then you would use an overgirth. I've used the extra buckles to attach a bungee...

[LindaAd]

Neddie isn't that another world for a horse?



Neddie is a word for a donkey, so when you call your horses neds you're really calling them donkeys, in a friendly sort of way ...

Two roads near us are called Eddy Green Lane and Jenny's lane - that's where they used to graze the male and the female donkeys ....

Linda

[LindaAd]

In theory they're not the same but do tend to be used interchangeably.

CHAFF is the 'hairy' bit at the end of the wheat (the grain husks) which is why you get the saying "sorting the wheat from the chaff" (the chaff being the bit that is wasted).

Yes, but the word "chaff" is also used for the anything that isn't the grain - so, in the case of horses, it's the stalks. Chop is chaff that's been chopped up so the horses can eat it - they used to have a chaff-cutter, with a wheel with a handle to turn a circular blade, in every stable.

What a brilliant idea for a thread this is!

Linda

[horsecrazychick]

Yay I like this thread. ^^

What are the names of all the gaits of gaited horses?
Can gaited horses jump(while doing one of their funny gaits)?
How high can a mule jump? or a donkey?
Can zebras be entered in horse shows?
Is there a reason why most horses' manes are on the right side?
Is it true that all grey horses are more prone to sun burn/skin diseases(even though their skin is black)?

lol odd questions I know...

[RustyMary]

What's an OTTB (an off-topic thoroughbred?? :rolleyes: )

[mad mare1]

Not a clue on that one I'm afraid, now here is a daft question, why do you have to have stirrups up round your ears for jumping, but when doing dressage, they gotta be so long that you can only just reach the damn things????? I ride with one stirrup length, and that is it!!!! Can't be bothered with all the altering stuff!!!!!

[Dina]

What's an OTTB
It stands for Off The Track Thoroughbred.

[fiesty_filly]

Yay I like this thread. ^^

Can zebras be entered in horse shows?
Is there a reason why most horses' manes are on the right side?
Is it true that all grey horses are more prone to sun burn/skin diseases(even though their skin is black)?

lol odd questions I know...

Zebras arent really horses but I'm sure that if you entered one no-one would argue... I have heard that zebras are extremely hard to domesticate which would make showing and training very difficult.

Horses manes go naturally to one side or the other, depending on the horse. Most english shows deem it 'proper' that manes are on the right, that is the way braids are to be done. So a lot of horses have their manes trained to the right from early in life

Mad mare1- Stirrup length
When doing dressage it is helpful to have long stirrups to allow maximum contact with the horse allowing you to communicate more effectively, it is also easier to sit deep in the saddle with longer stirrups. For jumping having short stirrups lets you get the proper balence over fences, it is not as important over low fences but when the jumps start to get higher you notice a HUGE difference if your stirrups are too low.

Gray horses are more prone to melanoma (skin cancer) than other horses.

[RustyMary]

Thanks dehydrated rat... Next question - what's an off the track thoroughbred? Sorry to be so dense :rolleyes:

[Dina]

Its a thoroughbred that used to race.

[RustyMary]

Oh I see - thanks Dehydrated Rat :)

[old_mare]

there are lots of american websites about "domesticated" ridden Zebras. THey're able to be sold under licence at wild animal sales in the states and some people do break them for riding (not sure what type of saddle, since their backs are very different to horses').

[StormyJ]

My question - what is a VSD saddle!?
"Very Slightly Dressage" - the flaps are slightly straighter cut than on a GP, and they are not much good for jumping in!

[The Flying Irishman]

How do you get the correct bit size?

[*Sez*]

I always find bits to be a bit trial and error. They are measured in inches, with a quarter of an inch difference. To give you an idea of size, my cob is a 5 3/4 bit and my TB a 5 1/2. They need to be loose enough that they don't pinch their mouths, but obviously not so loose that they're uncomfortable. And different bits fit differently. In his Dutch gag, Jacob needed a 5 1/2. The French Link snaffle had to be a quarter of an inch bigger.

Try a couple of sizes (I heard from a friend that some companies do tester bits, made from rubber so you know what size to order... not come across them myself), and if possible, get your YO or RI to check that it's a comfortable fit. When I fitted Salsa's new French-Link snaffle (he came without tack), I had to try three different sizes. The difference wasn't a lot, and I had to ask my RI to check it fitted correctly.

[The Flying Irishman]

Chees Sez, so Scoobs 5 1/2 is about right (hes a TB)

[horsecrazychick]

Yeah I was just curious because I've seen a couple zebras advertised for sale quite nearby and I just thought it would be pretty cool to have a zebra.(don't worry I won't go buy a zebra now lol) :D

[chickflick1066]

I'm curious, how do you pronounce surcingle? I always thought it was...

Sir-kin-gel but i've heard others say sir-sin-gel

[Mehitabel]

i've never heard it said with a K, always with an S.

[chickflick1066]

i've never heard it said with a K, always with an S.
Well silly me has always said it with a K:o

[Clipperchuck]

...

[horseygal90]

Well I can beat all of you! I say it Sur-ing-icle. :o

[mandagirl26]

What is a curb strap and how do you put it on?
I was told by the previous owner that I needed one on Mister so I was able to stop him if he tried to run with me. He's in a 5 inch full cheeked snaffle bit and a Western headstall.
I hesitate to even buy one until I know what they are and how they are placed, I've ridden him without and he's never tried to run with me or grab the bit away. If I use the one rein to turn his head he immediately stops anyways... would I be getting something unnecessary, or putting my safety to the test???

[Peace]

What is a curb strap and how do you put it on?
I was told by the previous owner that I needed one on Mister so I was able to stop him if he tried to run with me. He's in a 5 inch full cheeked snaffle bit and a Western headstall.
I hesitate to even buy one until I know what they are and how they are placed, I've ridden him without and he's never tried to run with me or grab the bit away. If I use the one rein to turn his head he immediately stops anyways... would I be getting something unnecessary, or putting my safety to the test???

A curb strap is used with a shanked (curb) bit. It's attached to the top bit rings where the headstall attaches (the reins attach to the lower rings on the shanks of the bit) and goes under the horse's chin. It allows the rider to exert pressure on the horse's poll.

Lots of riders use them for extra brakes - I normally ride with a curb bit and curb chain, although I rarely need to use it with Bram and never have with Quanah. But that's the bit the boys are used to, and I think if it ain't broke, don't fix it.:) If your fellow is stopping fine for you out on the trails in a snaffle, then I wouldn't change his bit.:)

Did your horse actually run away with his previous owner, or did the previous owner have him in it just in case the horse ever decided to do so?

Here's a picture of Bram in his Argentine snaffle (really a curb) bit. You can see the light brown strap attached to the top bit ring - it goes under his chin and attaches to the same ring on the other side.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a245/paintmisbehavin/bramabettafront.jpg

[Pink's lady]

OMG - Bram's brown/black! :eek: I was convinced he was chestnut! :o

[Peace]

OMG - Bram's brown/black! :eek: I was convinced he was chestnut! :o

He changes color a lot (being something of a man of mystery;) ). He appears black (with white roaning) when he first gets his new coat of the season, then gradually fades to brown until he sheds out/grows the next coat.:) This pic was taken in May, so he's dark brown with Ozzie Osborne red streaks in his mane. :p I think the one that makes him look chestnut was taken in very strong sunlight towards the end of July.

[elise]

So I have a follow up on the curb strap or chain, both my horse's have them on their bridles, but I don't see how this would aid in stopping. As far as I was able to tell it just helped keep everything where it belonged.

I hate my snaffles with shanks and I plan to get rid of them as soon as possible, probably have to get rid of the curb chain as well, maybe I should do that first and see how they go (or not go as the case may be).

[Mehitabel]

if you have a curb bit, then when you use the rein, the bit rotates around the mouthpiece. look at the pic of bram (i thought he was orange too!) and you can see that when you pull the rein, the top part of the bit will move forward - the curb strap will then put pressure on his chin. it's that extra pressure that says stop.
that's the more simplistic version - curbs have other uses, and for instance in a double bridle, riding dressage, it is more of a precision tool asking for a specific positioning of the head - i don;t know about high-level western.
but if you are using it for brakes, then it's the pressure it puts on the chin.

[Peace]

Hi, elise.:) Found this on Wikipedia and thought it was a pretty good short definition of a curb bit:
The Action of the Curb Bit
A curb bit works on several parts of a horses mouth.

The bars: applied by the mouthpiece, and directly related to the length of the shank of the bit. The curb chain and a high port can also increase the pressure placed on the bars of the mouth.
The tongue: applied by the mouthpiece, with the pressure related to the thickness and type of mouthpiece.
The roof of the mouth: only applicable if the mouthpiece of the curb bit has a high port.
The poll: severity is directly related to the length of the upper shank in relation to the lower shank. All curb bits apply at least a little pressure on the poll.
The chin groove: pressure applied by the curb chain when the curb rein is used.
Side of the jaws: a curb bit may add some pressure to the sides of the jaw due to its length.


According to the article, the curb strap or chain acts as a fulcrum and allow the rider to amplify the pressure exerted on the bars/poll. So you're right - it does sort of keep everything together, in the same way a fulcrum keeps lever and load together.:)

What don't you like about your broken-mouthed curb bits?

[mandagirl26]

The previous owner of Mister said that he always uses curb straps even on snaffles for the extra brakes. He did a lot of collecting with Mister, trail rides, and was a blind rider (He can see shadows)! Maybe it just gave him extra confidence that he could stop him if need be. Plus Mister was about 4 yrs old when he had him and was gelded late.
I believe in the philosophy if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I feel confident in my handling of Mister and he responds well to my aids without it so I don't think I will use a curb strap. I always count on the one rein stop because it puts him off balance and effectively stops him without launching me anywhere, I rarely have to use it. I pull back on the reins gently and release when he slows down and he stops with a whoa. He has a softer mouth than when I got him at first. Thanks for telling me what it is and how to use it.