[drivingpairs] Rubberhose Slobberbar on Pair Bits - was collars in CDE's

In a message dated 12/19/2006 11:04:58 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
ecartis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

> You mentioned that your horses don't 
> seem to catch their reins on things with your set up.  I have gatored for my 
> 
> friends and acted as a groom for them at various functions.  That means I 
> head the horses when necessary.  They use liverpools on the horses, and when 
> 
> the boys are standing still, they like to nip at each other, and I often 
> have to unhook the reins that one has caught on the other's bit.

Ok, here is the solution to the problem of horses getting their 
liverpoolbitshanks hooked up at each others reins or bridles (very dangerous, 
as they can 
rip off their bridles). For that reason many pair bits used to have metal 
"slobber bars" at the bottom, which connects the bit shanks, so they can't hock 
up 
the end of the shanks on each other, BUT, that creates a new problem. The 
slobber bar gets hooked up on stuff, like on the pole crab for example, and 
when 
they then pull back in panic, they rib off the bridle too. So also very 
dangerous. One solution of course is proper training, pair horses are never 
allowed 
to rub their heads on each other, keep them on the bit and don't allow it. But 
more modern solution: Take a piece of hard rubber hose just the diameter of 
the Liverpool shanks and slip it over the bottom of one shank and then run if 
over to the other shank and slip it up there. So in effect it's in place as a 
slobber bar. So the horses can't get their Liverpool shanks hooked up in each 
others bridles, yet should they get this "rubber hose slobber bar" caught up in 
anything, like the pole end, and yank their heads back, the rubber simply 
pulls off the Liverpool shanks. So it solves both problems. But still even 
then, 
don't ever allow them to rub their heads, and also use a gullet strap. With 
those 3 steps you should be reasonably safe. (Great post by Kathy on Kidney 
Links!)
Hardy

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