Assignment 3 - Saddlery & Shoeing Flashcards
Describe how you can tell if a saddle fits properly?
Describe how you can tell if a saddle fits properly?
.You can tell if a saddle fits properly by putting a stable rubber on the horse’s back with the saddle on top. The tree of the saddle should be two fingers from the scapula on the 8th thoracic vertebrae and the end of the saddle should be on the 18th vertebrae which you can check by placing one finger on the middle of the last rib and running your finger up the rib until you get to the top of the back making sure to curve with the rib not go straight up.
.Look at the horse from behind and the saddle should look straight and you should see daylight through the gullet. Check the pommel and cantle are level and that the deepest part of the seat is in the middle of the saddle. If you are not able to be completely sure it fits properly then get a saddler that’s a member of the master saddler association to check it for you.
.If the saddle is too narrow, you may see lots of daylight as it perches on top of the back but it may pinch and restrict the movement of the shoulders.
.LOOK UP - How many fingers do you need to be able to fit under the pommel, including when the horse has a rider on?
Name two types of martingale and discuss their uses and fitting?
Name two types of martingale and discuss their uses and fitting?
.First is the running martingale which is used to stop the horse being able to raise its head above the angle of control. It helps the rider have more control over the horse while riding. It has two straps that attach to both reins and these are attached to the strap that goes around the horse’s neck. The strap around the neck has another strap attached that goes along the chest and attaches to the girth .Rubber rein stops and a stop on the neck strap are needed to prevent altering the action of the bit if the rings get caught up on it.
.Note from marker - You have not described the fitting unfortunately.
.Second is the standing martingale which is used to stop the horse throwing its head up. It is similar to the running martingale except instead of two straps attached to the reins it only has one strap that attaches to a cavesson noseband.
.If the saddle is too narrow, you may see lots of daylight as it perches on top of the back but it may pinch and restrict the movement of the shoulders.
.Note from market - How many fingers do you need to be able to fit under the pommel, including when the horse has a rider on?
What factors affect this size and type of bit to be used?
What factors affect this size and type of bit to be used?
.The factors that affect the size and type of bit used are the age of the horse, level of training he has, the job he does i.e. an international FEI dressage horse must go in a double bridle, the size of the mouth, thickness of tongue, the strength of the horse, the riding level of the rider and the horse’s temperament and breed.
Upon which pressure points does the jointed snaffle act?
Upon which pressure points does the jointed snaffle act?
.The jointed snaffle bit pressure points are the tongue, bars and corners of the mouth .
What effect does a tongue groove have on the action of a bit?
What effect does a tongue groove have on the action of a bit?
.The effects that the tongue groove have on the action of the bit are that if the tongue groove is wide enough then the bit will sit comfortably in the mouth but if the tongue groove is narrow then this will put pressure on the bit making the horse’s mouth uncomfortable and the horse will try to relieve the pressure by putting its tongue over the bit .
What signs indicate that a horse is unhappy in his mouth?
The signs that indicate a horse is unhappy in his mouth are raising its head, mouth open, tongue out, not reacting to pressure, bolting, playing with the bit constantly and putting its tongue over the bit .
What signs indicate that a horse is unhappy in his mouth?
.The signs that indicate a horse is unhappy in his mouth are raising its head, mouth open, tongue out, not reacting to pressure, bolting, playing with the bit constantly and putting its tongue over the bit, rearing, refusing to go forward and tucking his chin into his chest.
If your horse was showing any of these signs, what action would you take?
If your horse was showing any of these signs, what action would you take?
.I would look to see if the bridle and bit are on properly and if they are then I would look at the teeth to see if they are sharp or if there are any sore areas in the mouth and if the mouth is fine, check the bit has not got worn areas that have become rough causing sores. Replace the bit. Cleanse any sores with saline solution and do not use a bit until they have healed.
Use Vaseline around the corners of the lips to prevent a re-occurrence if this was the site of soreness. If it’s none of these I would get checked by a vet.
Describe the functions of the periople?
Describe the functions of the periople?
The periople
.It is a natural varnish coating to the hoof wall.
.The function of the periople is to keep moisture within the hoof to stop it from drying out and cracking.
Describe the functions of the frog?
Describe the functions of the frog?
.The function of the frog is to protect the internal hoof, give the hoof grip to prevent the horse slipping, prevent concussion by being a shock absorber and helping the circulation within the foot.
Whilst out schooling your horse doesn’t feel completely sound. What is your immediate action?
Whilst out schooling your horse doesn’t feel completely sound. What is your immediate action?
.Dismount, pick out the feet, removing a stone may render the horse sound. If still not sound you would then lead/transport the horse back home.
How will you determine which is the affected leg?
.I would check all the hooves for any bruising, stones, nails and I would feel the legs for warmth, swelling, wounds, observe how the horse stands. If he is pointing a toe or resting a front leg that tells you which limb.Compare limbs e.g. compare the front legs to see if there are any differences in shape, heat etc.
Having decided which the affected leg is, briefly describe how you will continue your examination?
.Once I have found the affected leg I would check again for any signs that may indicate why it is lame like heat, pain, swelling, wounds, shoeing and consult the vet for advice and possibly treatment if needed.
Select two bony enlargements and describe their causes, signs and treatment?
Select two bony enlargements and describe their causes, signs and treatment?
.One is a splint which is a bony enlargement of the splint bones and is normally caused by heavy training in young horses under 4 years old. It causes increased growth of the bone and as they are still growing this over stimulates the bone growth causing the bone enlargement. Signs are lameness, inflammation of the splint bones, heat, pain and after its formed a bony lump. The treatment is to rest the horse until it is no longer painful when touched, dietary changes while on rest, ice packs, cold hosing, and anti-inflammatory medication from the vet to stop the inflammation and pain. If the enlargements are close to the joint, surgery may be required.
.Two is bone spavin which is a bone enlargement of the tarsal bones. It is caused by too much pressure on the leg over a long time which causes osteoarthritis normally seen in older horses. Signs are lameness, inflammation of the tarsal bones, stiffness, toe dragging, pain and a bony lump after it has formed. Treatment is anti-inflammatory medication from the vet to treat the inflammation and pain or surgery to fuse the joints together to stop movement of the joints and hopefully stop the lameness .
.Marker advise - Images would be a good addition to the answer.
Select two bursal enlargements and describe their causes, signs and treatment?
Select two bursal enlargements and describe their causes, signs and treatment?
.One is curb which is a bursal enlargement of the distal plantar hock area and is mainly caused by previous soft tissue injuries to that area like sprains or strains. Signs are lameness, inflammation of the hock area and pain. Treatment is rest, ice packs, cold hosing and anti-inflammatory medication from the vet to stop the inflammation and pain.
.Two is capped knee which is a bursal enlargement of the knee. It is caused by a bang to the knee like a kick, falling on knees, laying down on knees, hitting jumps, kicking the stable which causes the knee to bruise and then fluid to build up in that area. Signs are lameness, inflammation of the knee and pain. Treatment is rest, cold hosing, ice packs, drainage of the area by a vet, pressure bandaging and anti inflammatory medication from the vet to stop the inflammation and pain .
.Marker advise - Images would be a good addition to the answer.
