How was it designed to be used? My buddy rides with hers loose so that her
horse can open its mouth to eat, and with the reins attached to the outer two
rings instead of the center joint ring under the chin. I tried her setup on my
mare to test the vosal but didn't try your rein arrangement. With the reins on
the side rings, rein action brought the hard rawhide-wrapped under-parts into
contact with the jaw, but then with increased rein action (pulling) the hard
parts rub across the jaw skin for a couple inches, depending on how loose the
contraption is, as the whole nosepiece is pulled further back also, before the
desired pressure to the jaw bones becomes effective. She said her mare got rub
injuries under her chin at first, but now she has learned to yield to it. I
have seen her go back to her bit, and the horse did indeed seem to act
uncomfortably for that ride, and then the next ride with the vosal again seemed
to make her more relaxed. It was, of course, a different day & different ride.
I think your sheepskin under the chin idea is essential to prevent injury. I
think these things ought to be covered with a sleeve of leather that can take
up the abrasion. How many vosal users use the side rings? the center ring?
Why?
My goal with my mare is to switch from a heavy hackamore which seems to be
uncomfortable (although she goes significantly more quietly in it than in any
of my bits) to something better for eating and drinking along the trail. I've
discovered that she drinks more often and deeply without a bit or hackamore
on. If I have time at water I actually remove the bit hangers (which the
hackamore is on) to offer her water now. I am re-training the halt with her
now, as I have been too inconsistent and wishy-washy in my aids, but once we
are stopping perfectly in all situations again, I will try the vosal again;
that's why I'd like to hear more about it. Bridget in SE PA
jbri@voicenet.com