Re: [RC] Fw: OT - Petition against the use of Buckles and bands on Morgans - steelsidedown
Just to clarify.....
Banding is common is any breed that shows "park"
(arabs, saddlebreds and walkers as well). The band's actual purpose
is to allow you to "stack" (several layers of wedge pads, to boost the heel,
thus the hoof angle). The band attaches to the heel of the shoe, ground
side of the pads, to help hold the bulk and weight, as nails can't complete the
job. In many shows/organizations "padding" is
prohibited. Thus enters the weighted shoe, rocker bars, and now the
weighted band. The concept behind all these contraptions is to burden the
front hooves, so the horse will lift his entire leg extremely and tuck
in under the knee.
Yes, banding is done for theraputic reasons also,
though not very often. Horses requiring bands to be sound, wouldn't be
competing at this level anyway. (generally speaking -- there is always that
exception)
Not condoning, just clarifying. I will
share, I have worked on several ex-padded show horses that were completely
sound and no worse for wear. I own a sound 29yo arab mare that was shown
padded until 10yo (not by me, I don't do rings!). I'm sure others have
different stories they can share to shed some light on the issue.
Subject: [RC] Fw: OT - Petition against
the use of Buckles and bands on Morgans
This is OT, but it does involve horses, Morgans, to be more specific, and
this would never be allowed at an AERC ride. The AMHA has decided that it's
now okay for Morgans to be shown in the ring with metal bands on their hooves.
These bands are cut hose clamps which are attached to the heels of the shoe
and run up and over the top of the hoof. Ostensibly this is for the purpose of
being able to show a Morgan with hoof problems. The reality is that these
bands will be used on sound horses with the intent of accentuating the
Morgan's natural 'park' action. This new rule is now before the USEF for a
final decision. Please take a moment and sign the petition against this
proposed action.
