28/05/2024
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FUR BABIES CENTRAL - furbabiescentral.com.au
How great is this - from Kellerberrin Riding & Pony Club.
Do you use gear on your horse because he needs it or just because it looks good?
It is something to think about, because if it is something you can do without, your horse might be more comfortable and even perform better.
Take nosebands. Your horse will be a lot happier if he can yawn, cough and chew while wearing a noseband – such as a cavesson (top right pic) – or no noseband at all, which is permitted at PC events.
Nosebands which have a strap passing under the bit and around the horse’s chin like those in the photos (left) are used by some riders to stabilise the bit in the horse’s mouth, or prevent the horse crossing its jaw or putting its tongue over the bit.
It also means you are applying constant pressure to his nose and mouth, which means the horse never gets a reward (remember negative reinforcement, where taking away pressure rewards the horse?)
As well, tight nosebands can affect a horse’s breathing, especially if they sit low. They can also press on soft parts of the horse’s nose and mouth, cause nerve damage and even affect a horse psychologically if he cannot soften and relax his jaw.
A tight noseband can cover up bad riding. If you discount sharp teeth and other mouth issues, and strong bits (a topic for another day), whatever the horse is doing with its mouth is a symptom of how it is being ridden by the rider. Talk to your Pony Club coach if you are having control problems with your horse.
NOTE:
* Nosebands not fitted properly would not pass a gear check - but make sure you know what to do at home too.
* Positive and negative reinforcement are covered in the PCA Certificate Manuals as part of the principles of equitation science.
* If you think your lower noseband strap is not too tight – why use it at all?
* As with any gear change, including removing gear, it’s a good idea to check with your Pony Club coach, and check the National Gear Rules for what’s allowed (sometimes it is discipline-specific) and how to fit it.
https://ponyclubaustralia.com.au/sports/national-gear-rules/