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

I love this solution. I always wondered about how to solve both problems.
I've just ordered my first actual Liverpool bit for one of my pair so it's
perfect timing. A couple of years ago I was driving one of the pair in a
half-cheek mullen mouth bit at a driving trial. Coming from "C" towards the
out gate, the two bumped noses and the half-cheek got stuck in the other
horse's bridle. There I was stuck going left when I wanted to go right.
After about 3 strides it came loose, but everyone was wondering what the
heck I was doing. The other bit I use has butterfly cheeks so slightly
better, but still possible to get caught. I'm going to try this rubber hose
solution.

Thanks!

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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