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Why are we required to have a stud chain over our horses noses while doing showmanship at fair2007-11-24 21:23:16

In the long run they should probably make direct clips, no chains allowed.

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First, for showmanship, the chain goes under the chin, not over the nose. Only in halter can the chain go over the nose or thru the mouth for two & over stallions. Sometimes having the chain can make a timid handler feel more in control. And it does sometimes help with in a pen full of studs to keep better control. BUT like everything else, this is what the trainers all use and so everyone else follows along. I can do showmanship without a halter if I wanted to. And I do have a lead with a chain that while it does touch my horse, it never gets used to punish him. He does not need it. And if you are having to use a chain to "control" a showmanship horse, you are not going to be placing very high very often. The chain may be a rule, but judges are looking to see how well turned out your horse is and how well you can execute a pattern without excessive methods (such as jerking on a chain). Smooth and easy is what wins showmanship classes, not "control" from stud chains.

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I really think it depends on the circumstances. I myself have nothing against a chain over the nose and and times have needed a chain. Because it's there does not mean you have to use it. I'd much prefer a horse walk camly beside me. However on the racetrack, it's pretty much a standard, but there are the circumstances.fit horses not pets! Same thing on the breeding farm, we use mostly just plain cotton ropes on mares, unless walking over to the breeding shed or dealing with a maiden, teasing stud, breeding stud or layup just off the track. Just because you see a chain, don't assume the person on the other end has it just to shank the crap out of the horse they're leading, sometimes it's the only rope left in the barn lol. One of my pet peeves is seeing someone graze a horse with a chain hooked back on itself, that's an accident waiting to happen.

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I would probably agree that most horses are just fine without a chain (which can be leather covered or covered in vetrap. But I'll tell you one thing I wouldn't want to handwalk a fit and ready racehorse be it mare, colt or gelding without a chain over the nose in most instances. These horses are powerful highly tuned up individuals. You must understand the chain itself is only as cruel as the hand holding the shank. It allows you to have optimum control when the situation warrants it. Sometimes another horse acting out can trigger a chain reaction among other horses around it. At a show you are on unfamiliar grounds with many different sights and sounds. It is safer for all involved that people can have optimal contol. If you can control your horse without a halter in the midst of mayhem by just saying stand, or clicking some device or whatever natural method you use more power to you . I think thats great. I use my voice in fluctuating tone and volume as an aid in controlling horses I work with but I can think of many instances I was glad I had that extra control when working with them. a chain over the nose in an educated hand is no harsher than no halter at all. In an uneducated hand it can be cruel as well as cause some horses to react against violently if used inappropriately.

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paint pony wrote exactly what i was about to.