Archive for the ‘Horse News’ Category
Bits and Bit Selection
There are many different bits out there and each has its advantages and disadvantages in certain situations and applications. There are two main types of equipment available when you are looking at headgear for your horse. The first is a bit, which works off pressure in your horse’s mouth. The second is a hackamore, which works mainly off pressure on the nose. There are three main sub-categories within each of these types.
The first type of bit is called a snaffle. The term snaffle can be applied to any bit where the headstall and rein connect to the same ring. There are many different types of snaffle mouthpieces. The snaffle does not give you any leverage. A snaffle is generally a mild bit. Just be aware that you never should cross your reins under the horse’s neck and ride so the left rein is in your right hand and the right rein in your left hand. This can cause a “nutcracker” effect in the horse’s mouth. The snaffle is a teaching bit, and I like my horses to be trained to do any maneuver, even advanced ones, in a snaffle.
The second type of bit is called a shank, curb, or leverage bit. This type of bit is defined as the headstall and rein connecting to different rings on the bridle. There are thousands of different combinations of mouthpieces and shanks that can make up a leverage bit. You can determine how much leverage a bit has by making two measurements. One is from the top of the mouthpiece to the top of the purchase (the area between the top of the mouthpiece and where the headstall connects to the bit), and the other is from the bottom of the mouthpiece to the bottom of the shank. Then divide the shank measurement by the purchase measurement. For example, if your bit has a 2 1/2″ purchase and a 5″ shank, your leverage ratio is 2:1. This means that for every one pound of pressure you apply on the reins, your horse will feel 2 pounds of pressure.
The third type of bit is the signal or spade bit. These bits are designed to communicate with very little rein movement or pressure. When you pick up on the reins of a signal bit, the spade shaped part of the bit will contact the roof of the horse’s mouth and move on the tongue, sending a signal that the horse has been trained to understand. Spade bits have a bad reputation, which is not completely deserved in my opinion. While it is true that a spade bit in rough hands can be very severe and heavy, traditionally spade bits were connected to the bit by chains for weight, and these chains were supposed to be tied by only one strand of your horse’s tail hair. If the hair broke you were being too heavy handed. These bits were designed for precise communication.
Then you have hackamores, or bitless bridles. The first type of hackamore is called a bozelle. It works mostly off pressure on the lower jawbone, with a little pressure on the nose as well. It is a basic hackamore, and is almost like riding in a more aggressive rope halter. It is like a snaffle bit in that it is direct pull, and does not give you any leverage.
The second type of hackamore is the mechanical hackamore. I am going to say right off that I really don’t like these, and they are quite possibly my least favorite piece of equipment out there. I have seen horses develop some bad habits as a result of mechanical hackamores. If the hackamore sits too low, it will pinch the soft cartilage of the horse’s nose and cut off their air supply every time the rider picks up the reins. This will cause the horse to panic and throw his head up in the air to get a breath. When he does throw his head, the hackamore moves temporarily off his nose, rewarding him with a breath. Then the rider will get frustrated at the head throwing, pick up the reins, and cut off the horse’s air again. Also, I have seen many horses learn to reach sideways and grab the shanks of the mechanical hackamore in their teeth, making it so the rider has no effective use of that rein. The mechanical hackamore is similar to a shank bit in that it gives you leverage. It applies pressure to the nose, curb, and poll. If you do use a mechanical hackamore, make certain that it is adjusted properly and sits above the soft cartilage of the nose so you don’t cut off your horse’s air.
The third type of hackamore is called a sidepull hackamore. This is a little like riding in a more aggressive flat nylon halter. Like all the hackamores, it is important that you adjust this properly so it does not cut off your horse’s wind. Most side pull hackamores have a stiff rope nose band, and I have found that sometimes it will rub on the bridge of my horse’s nose. If you have that problem, you can wrap it in vet wrap to make it softer.
I believe there is no such thing as a hard mouthed horse. There are only hard headed horses. Hard headed horses learn to ignore pressure on the bridle because people have continually increased the amount of pressure they are applying without rewarding the horse for the desired response.
I often get asked when to move to a leverage bit from a snaffle. I don’t use a leverage bit until I can get my horse to do everything I want in a snaffle. I do not use a leverage bit for training purposes, or because I can’t get my horse to do something in a snaffle. The reason I might switch my trained horses to a leverage bit is that it is better designed for one handed riding. Remember that if you do switch to a leverage bit, you will need to be very aware of how much pressure you are putting on the reins and lighten your hands drastically from using a snaffle. When you use a leverage bit, the horse not only feels pressure in his mouth, but also on the curb strap and poll.
Enjoy your horses and until next time, may God bless the trails you ride.
For more information on Ken McNabb’s programs call us at 307-645-3149 or go to www.kenmcnabb.com
Top Q & A of the Month
Question: Hello Julie,
I am looking at buying a Tennessee Walker. With my current horse, I am finding it a challenge to post. I’m 48 years old. I purchased your DVDs and they were helpful, but I’m just not really comfortable with posting and like the idea of a smooth ride on a gaited horse. I have heard you don’t have to post with a gaited horse, do you think I would be happier with a gaited horse? Anything I should consider? Any help would be appreciated.
Regina
Answer: Dear Regina,
The popularity of gaited horses has drastically increased lately. There seems to be a correlation of interest along with the age of the largest recreational riding market: the Baby Boomers. At 51 years old, I am at the very bottom of this generation and beginning to feel the normal aches and pains of growing older. Thankfully, I am also benefiting from the wisdom and experience that comes with the territory and I wouldn’t trade that for a younger body (as long as there’s a plentiful supply of CosaminASU )!
Naturally as we age, we experience the back aches and joint pain that comes with the territory and the appeal of a gaited horse is that he is often smoother than a regular horse and his movements have little suspension (which occurs when all four of the horse’s feet come off the ground at the same time, like in the trot and canter); that’s why you don’t have to post. Also, many people are getting into riding for the first time at this age, or coming back to riding after several decades or more and the gaited horse can be easier to ride because the gaits may be smoother and the horses are often narrower, which also increases comfort for the rider.
Gaited horses come in all shapes, sizes and colors and there are a variety of breeds with varying abilities and temperaments. The Tennessee Walker, Missouri Foxtrotter and Saddlebred are perhaps the most well known gaited breeds, but with the increased popularity of the “novelty” breeds today, we have many other gaited breeds to choose from such as Peruvian Paso, Paso Fino, Mountain Horses (Kentucky and Rocky Mountain), Icelandics, Mangalarga Marchador, and others. Each breed is distinct for its size, temperament and purpose, so it is worthwhile investigating your various options to see what the best fit is for you.
Some things to consider: First, just like naturally gaited horses, some are smooth gaited and some are not; there is not a guarantee that all gaited horses are smooth. I have ridden gaited horses that are just as rough as a regular horse and I have ridden regular horses that are as easy as the smoothest gaited horse. But in general, gaited horses will be smoother.
Also, just because a horse is bred to be gaited doesn’t mean that he is “set” in his gaits; it does not come automatically to all gaited horses. To some horses it is more natural than others and some will need professional training to get the horse to gait steadily and correctly. Sometimes the horse has to be supported by the rider to maintain his gait and that requires a certain level of skill, knowledge and effort on the part of the rider. It is best to find a horse that is naturally set in his gaits and will maintain them without the aid of the rider or need help from a trainer.
It can be a challenge to find a mature, well-trained gaited mount. I have searched for gaited horses for my horse sales program, knowing that many of my clientele would prefer a gaited horse. Since my promise is to have only mature, safe and reliable horses that are great for trail and arena, and for any level of rider, I’ve noticed that because of their size and popularity it can be difficult to find one that meets all my criteria. That said, I recently had a gaited horse in my program that was a jewel to ride. He was smooth and well trained, very experienced and fun to ride around the ranch. There are great horses like that out there—just be sure to test ride a few so you know the difference and can feel a great smooth and reliable ride. I prefer horses that are mature, well-trained and have ‘been there and done that.’ Regardless of whether it’s a gaited horse or not, I’d hate to see you make the mistake of buying a young green horse.
Although I enjoy riding gaited horses on occasion, my personal preference is for a naturally gaited horse. I enjoy the gaits of trot and canter and with my love of versatility ranch horse competitions and cow work, I find a stock-bred horse has the athleticism for that genre.
If your interests lie entirely in going down the trail or even endurance, it is hard to beat a gaited horse that is set in his gaits, well-trained and well-tempered. My preference would be either a Foxtrotter or a Mountain Horse. I like their size and temperament a lot. Also, there is a line of Tennessee Walkers that have been bred in Wyoming exclusively for trail (no show blood lines). I have worked with a few of these horses and they are awesome.
A side note on posting…. Posting can be one of the most challenging things to learn in riding, but once you get it, posting is really easy. Remember you have to use the motion of the horse to push you up and out of the saddle—like you are bouncing your bottom on a trampoline. Once you get the movement and the rhythm, it should be fairly effortless.
If you are interested in gaited horses, I would recommend a clinician named Elizabeth Graves http://www.lizgraves.com. She is a renowned expert on all gaited breeds and her approach is very holistic and humane; if you have a chance to see her at a clinic or an expo, you’ll be glad you did. It is by no means unique to the gaited breeds, but there are many gaited trainers that employ harsh ”old-school” techniques to get the gaited movements that became popular in the show ring.
Good luck in your search and I hope you find your dream horse!
JG
Amintas Interagro and Leah Winston Score 71.6% to Win the High Score Lusitano Award At The Wellington Classic Dressage Autumn Challenge
West Palm Beach, FL – The Lusitano stallion Amintas Interagro, owned by Al and Sherie Zobec, rode away as the winner of the High Score Lusitano Award at the Wellington Classic Dressage Autumn Challenge. Sponsored by the Lusitano CollectionTM, hosts of The 2011 Lusitano CollectionTM International Horse Auction, the High Score Lusitano Award is presented to the highest scoring Lusitano at select dressage shows during the Florida dressage circuit.
Considered the “ultimate competition horse”, Amintas Interagro was shown by trainer and co-owner Leah Winston. The Lusitano stallion earned a score of 71.60% in the FEI Six-Year-Old division. “He is such a pleasure to train that I save him for my last ride everyday when we are at home,” said Winston. “I definitely believe he will show in the Grand Prix division in the future. I think he is just a dream come true, and is the most balanced and willing horse I have ever ridden. You can’t beat his temperament and he will eventually be a breeding stallion.”
Amintas Interagro, sired by Ofensor (MV), was the recipient of the Gold Medal in the One-Year-Old conformation class at the 2006 International Lusitano Show and was reserve in the Two-Year-Old conformation class the following year. The Zobecs, who own Z Stallions in Palm City, Florida, purchased him at the 2009 Lusitano CollectionTM International Horse Auction in Wellington, Florida.
The Lusitano CollectionTM International Horse Auction, a prestigious event featuring horses from the world’s top Lusitano breeders, gives interested buyers the unique opportunity to purchase Brazilian horses without the hassle of import fees or quarantine periods. The Lusitano CollectionTM selects all horses for auction based upon their exceptional abilities for FEI-level equestrian sports, especially dressage, jumping, and driving. The auction will take place in the United States for the fourth consecutive year at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida on February 23-26, 2011.
Leah Winston and Amintas Interagro are the first of many horse and rider combinations to win the award as The Lusitano CollectionTM is sponsoring the High Score Lusitano Award for the first time at various shows on the Florida winter dressage circuit. Their goal is to support the local Lusitano community and to highlight the Lusitano breed within the FEI-level equestrian sports. Because of the breed’s generous temperament and ease under saddle, both amateurs and professionals alike find them to be an excellent sport horse across all levels of competition. This enables amateurs, as well as seasoned Grand Prix riders, the opportunity to win the High Score Lusitano Award.
The Lusitano CollectionTM will present the High Score Lusitano Award at the GCDA Fall Fling, November 13-14, 2010; the WCD Holiday Challenge, December 11-12, 2010; the GCDA Opener CDI, January 21-23, 2011; the WCD Spring Challenge CDI, February 10-13, 2011; and the WCD Challenge II. They will also present a GCDA Year End Lusitano High Point Award.
For more information about the horses or The Lusitano CollectionTM International Horse Auction scheduled for February 23-26, 2011 in Wellington, Florida, visit www.lusitanocollection.com. For more information on Amintas Interagro, visit www.zstallions.com.
About Interagro Lusitanos
Founded in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga to preserve the Lusitano breed, Interagro Lusitanos is now recognized as the world’s largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses. Dr. Gonzaga started with a small band of four mares and one stallion imported to Brazil from the breed’s native Portugal; to date nearly 800 horses populate the 1200-acre ranch outside São Paolo. Today, Cecilia Gonzaga manages the farm and operations. Interagro Lusitanos are handled, prepared, and evaluated from birth, with a handful of the best stock presented at auction each year. The annual Lusitano CollectionTM International Horse Auction gives buyers a unique opportunity to evaluate, experience, and purchase top-quality Lusitano horses in the U.S., without the complications of importation and quarantine. Interagro Lusitano horses are now successfully competing, and winning, on four continents.
Understanding the Snaffle Bit
Hanging in your tack room is probably some form or style of snaffle bit. Perhaps you use it everyday. Or maybe it’s unused and gathering dust. There is probably no bit that is more widely used, regardless of the riding discipline, than the snaffle bit. Even though it is a commonly used piece of equipment, there are still many misunderstandings regarding its use. Here are some of my thoughts regarding the snaffle bit.
Generally speaking a snaffle bit has a broken mouth piece connected to rings on either side. There are different mouth pieces such as plain smooth, extra thick, extra thin, twisted wire, and a handful of other variations. The cheek pieces can be a simple ring, egg butt, o-ring, or full cheek. Most snaffles will be 5” to 5½” wide. This size will fit the vast majority of horses. In the last few years some performance horse trainers have been using 6” to 6½” snaffles with extra heavy rings. They believe there is more “pre-signal” and “feel” with those larger bits.
Snaffle bits are lateral mechanisms and are made to be used laterally – side to side. Pulling back hard on both reins in a snaffle becomes increasingly less effective in controlling a horse’s movement. However, the snaffle is very effective in teaching a horse to give and yield his head (and thus his feet) laterally to the left and right. Most horses are started in snaffle bits and can learn to bend and turn as the rider uses each rein independent of the other.
The Snaffle Is A Safe Place To Start – If I am going to ride a horse that I know little about, a snaffle bit will allow me to evaluate where this particular horse is in his training and understanding. If I use a leverage (or curb) bit initially and the horse has never had one on, I’m probably going to create confusion and have trouble.
The Value Of A Chin Strap – “Why would I need a chin or curb strap? That’s only for curb bits where leverage is applied.” This is the perception of many. On a snaffle, a chin strap will be very effective in keeping the bit from pulling all the way through the horse’s mouth when using one rein. It need not be adjusted tight and is normally placed between the reins and bit. The one exception to the need for a chin strap is with the full cheek snaffle. Its design has two bars on each side of the ring that keeps it from running through the horse’s mouth.
Adjustments – There are different theories in regard to how tight or loose to adjust the snaffle in a horse’s mouth. I like my snaffle to hang a little lower than some riders are accustomed to. I adjust it just below where it would cause a wrinkle in the corner or my horse’s mouth. I don’t want constant pressure against my horse’s mouth that he can’t get away from. You might think that a lower hanging bit will allow the horse to get his tongue over the bit. I’ve found that adjusting it higher does not prevent a horse from getting his tongue over the bit; however, it does make it harder for him to get it back under. Most horses decide that the most comfortable place for them is to have their tongue resting under the bit.
Material – Snaffle bit mouth pieces are generally made of sweet iron, stainless steel, copper, or a combination of these. You’ll often see an iron or stainless steel mouth piece with copper inlaid in the bars. This is believed to promote salivation. A moist mouth is important to creating softness and suppleness.
Back To Basics – Occasionally a horse will be brought to me for remedial training. The owners inform me that the horse constantly bolts and runs off. They have tried a dozen different bits and he is still out of control. I’d go back to a plain smooth snaffle bit and begin to re-teach this horse to bend laterally and think down to his feet. This would be done most effectively with a lateral type mechanism such as a snaffle bit.
Some people may characterize a snaffle as a mild bit and perhaps a spade bit as severe. I don’t think these generalizations are necessarily true. Mildness and severity are in our hands and the feel we apply to the mechanism. The tools we use are important to understand, yet any bit can be abused by those who lack understanding and horsemanship skills. The snaffle bit is a great tool. As your horsemanship improves, you’ll find this simple piece of equipment an invaluable part of your training program. For footage to compliment this article: Google “YouTube – Richard Winters Horsemanship Channel”
Thoroughbred Case Rules Against Taxpayer
Is the IRS seeking to wreck the horse industry? Of late, the IRS has engaged in more aggressive audits in the horse industry that have derailed many people who thought they were doing the right thing, attempting to make a profit in their horse venture, only to be denied tax deductions. It then becomes necessary to appeal the matter and if necessary, pursue the case in Tax Court. In some instances taxpayers are able to withstand scrutiny at the audit stage if they have a formal business plan that shows how they expect to turn the activity into a profitable venture.
Even owners in the thoroughbred industry, who have opportunities to garner lucrative purses, have been affected by aggressive audits. A recent thoroughbred case in Tax Court, for instance, came down against the taxpayer, Jo Anne Chandler [Chandler v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo 2010-92]. She had lost her audit and again lost her case in Tax Court. Three years were at issue. The facts indicated that the taxpayer had incurred losses over a 20-year period.
The judge made the following findings:
1. The taxpayer did not provide “specific details” about her purse winnings for the years at issue.
2. She raced “the same unsuccessful horses year after year, even though they failed to generate enough money to exceed the expenses for any year.”
3. In addition to racing, the taxpayer engaged in horse breeding in an effort to develop an “outstanding horse,” but that did not happen.
4. The taxpayer, who had obtained a trainer’s license, “failed to provide documentation to establish that her decision to train her own horses was an economic decision and there was no cost-benefit analysis to quantify the benefit to her horse activity.”
5. The taxpayer consulted with horse trainers and owners, but the court said that there was no evidence that these individuals provided her with economic or business advice.
6. The taxpayer “has not set any limit on the amount she is willing to lose.”
7. The taxpayer “retained, and continues to incur expenses for, several horses that are useless to her horse activity.”
8. The taxpayer “scribbled down expense records but failed to organize them into any usable form, and her expense records for the years at issue were incomplete and indecipherable.”
9. She “failed to keep a separate record of each horse’s income and expenses.”
10. She “did not maintain any record of what she paid to claim each horse and how much that horse had won.”
11. She “did not review any documents at year’s end to make changes to the horse activity to improve profitability.”
12. She maintained a folder for each horse, but the judge said that these “contained sentimental documents with limited health and training records.”
These facts, and others, led the judge to conclude that the taxpayer failed to conduct her horse activity in a businesslike manner. The judge noted that the taxpayer had no business plan or cost projections to indicate when she might make a profit, and that she did not make meaningful changes in her method of operation to improve profitability. The court also said that casualty losses, such as death of injury of horses, or personal illness, should not be viewed as unforeseen hardships, as they are common occurrences.
Perhaps the lesson from this and other cases like it is to be prepared if you are unlucky enough to be audited. And preparation means establishing a formal business plan as well as maintaining records that can be utilized to analyze the economics of the venture. Further, it is important to maintain separate files on each horse, with information pertaining to improving each horse’s profitability.
IRS agents are required to use its internal manual, the Audit Technique Guide, in auditing taxpayers engaged in the horse and livestock industries. Among the questions auditors are required to ask are these: Do you have a written business plan? How was this business plan prepared? When was this business plan formalized into writing? A business plan is something that takes time and care to develop, and in preparing these documents I work with the taxpayers or their accountants to develop a cost-benefit analysis that projects when the venture will turn a profit. It is also recommended that should you be audited, that you take a pro-active approach with your professional adviser at the outset.
[John Alan Cohan is a lawyer who has served the horse, livestock and farming industries since l98l. He can be reached at: (3l0) 278-0203, by e-mail at johnalancohan@aol.com, or you can see more at his website: www.johnalancohan.com.]
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