This mysterious ammo

This mysterious ammo

Author: Lizzy Youngling

You have probably seen more than once on horses performing at the highest level (and not only) items of ammunition, the meaning and purpose of which remained a mystery to you.

We as humans do not wear the same clothes and shoes during training, our equipment is selected individually. So why do horses have to “dress like carbon paper”? Each horse is unique, and this is increasingly evident in the choice of ammunition.

In this article we will get acquainted with the items of ammunition, which often raise questions from the “mere mortal”. Let’s get started:

1. Double capsule

Figure-eight capsules, Mexican and Hanoverian, self-tightening…. The choice is great.

Newly branded Dy’on A new type of capsule has been released that is rapidly gaining popularity and is used by top athletes such as Bertram Allen, Jessica Springsteen и Lillie Keenan. The new capsule combines a simple capsule and a Hanoverian capsule. It is designed for a strong horse. With it, you can better control the opening of the mouth and the displacement of the jaw, as well as prevent pinching of the corners of the lips.

«RMF Swinny du Parc tends to open its mouth while working, causing the snaffle to move and control not as clear. When the mouth is closed, the snaffle is stable,” explains Jessica Springsteen. “The two straps allow the pressure of the capsule to be distributed over a larger area of ​​the nose, while at the same time, the snaffle stays still in the mouth.”

2. Rope capsule

The usual capsule consists of leather straps, but more and more often on jumping horses we see a capsule of a different plan – with a rope (sometimes woven from leather) part. This capsule is used to control horses that unintentionally lean heavily on the reins. It is used by the best riders from all over the world, including Kevin Staut (can be seen on most of his horses), as well as Molly Ashe Cawley, John Whitaker и Gregory Wathelet.

3. Headstock protection

Pasterns are one of the most sensitive parts of the horse’s body. Often, unwanted scratches and wounds appear on them. Although riders often use hindboots, this piece of equipment does not protect pasterns. For American show jumper Adrienne starlight protection of the pasterns of the horse is a priority, especially if the couple is jumping on grassy ground (very unpredictable ground). “We use headstock guards whenever the horses are jumping on the grass. Be sure to put spikes on horseshoes for extra support, ”explains Adrienne.

4. Horse socks

Horse socks? Ironically, this innovation protects your horse’s legs in a variety of situations. Socks can be used under boots to prevent wounds, scratches, or used as a padded jacket to improve blood circulation. Extra bonus? They are washable, reusable and can be cut to your desired length. American show jumper Catherine Tyree recently started using the brand’s socks EquiFit GelSox, working with your horse Bokai.

«Bokai performing in socks EquiFit GelSox, because he often injures his right wrist joint in a jump, shifting his leg inward, ”explains Catherine. “We use EquiFit GelSox from this summer as additional protection.”

5. Fly mask while working

As they say, everything ingenious is simple. But what about a fly mask on the battlefield? Unfortunately, this is against the rules, but the rules do not prohibit fly masks in the warm-up. Margie Goldstein-Engle puts on his horse Royce mask for flies, leaving on the warm-up field. It helps Royce focus on work and not be distracted by insects. “He doesn’t like flies and is very sensitive,” explains Margie. Brilliant and simple solution!

Author: Lizzy Youngling

Lizzy Youngling although she does not spend as much time in the saddle as she would like, she loves horses very much and has been riding horses since she was three years old. Lizzy is a member of the US Rowing Team (Princeton, NJ) and dreams of participating in the 2020 Olympics.

Photo:Dani Maczynski Photography

Source (translated by Valeria Smirnova)