ridecamp@endurance.net: breastcollars

breastcollars

Gwen Dluehosh (dluehosh@vt.edu)
Wed, 24 May 1995 04:42:14 -0500 (EST)

Hi again
I am not familiar with USING breat collars too much, but I did notice at the
Fort Valley last year that a rider was warned by the vet because the
brachiocephalic muscle on her horse was VERY sore on the left side. They
couldn't figure out why, and I couldn't either, until I saw the horse reach
DOWN to take a bite of grass... That breast collar dug right into the area
that was deemed sore by Art King, so I took the liberty of showing th rider
what I noticed. SHe seemed pretty grateful that that was all it was, and
happily removed the collar for the last part of the ride. I am sure that the
mountain climbing the horse did necessitated him reaching DOWN and causing
this problem. Luckily, there was only one more climb to the finish, and
since this horse wasn't top ten, she didn't seem to mind my suggesting she
get off at the top of the mountain if needed to readjust her saddle. The
horse was cool about the whole thing.

The thing that was weird was, the breast collar did not appear tight on the
horse when the horse had his head up. Luckily I haven't really had to use a
breast collar yet, I usually just climb off if need be to fix the saddle at
home, which hasn't been too often. I am sure I will have to when I begin
heavy duty competing.
Good luck, my two cents only...
Gwen
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| Gwen Dluehosh |
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