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Fit a double bridle
A double bridle should only be used when a horse has first been schooled in a snaffle and is going forward, with lightness and suppleness in all gaits.
Purpose
To achieve a more advanced outline whilst maintaining a light contact.
Fitting
Know the parts of a double bridle - Cavesson noseband, headpiece, slip head, browband, 2 pairs of reins, curb chain (single link. double link, leather or rubber covered), lip strap, cheek pieces, Weymouth bit, bridoon bit.
The slip head fits under the normal headpiece with the buckle on the off side and is attached to the bridoon, which takes the thicker of the two reins. The standard cheek pieces are attached to the Weymouth bit, which takes the narrower rein. The lip strap is attached to the small D’s halfway down the Weymouth bit with the middle link of the curb chain (called a fly link) through the lip strap.
Fit cavesson noseband as a snaffle bridle - 2 fingers below the protruding cheek bone and 2 fingers between the noseband and the horse’s nose.
Throat lash as a snaffle bridle - 4 fingers between the throat lash and the horse’s cheek.
The curb chain laying flat in the chin groove, with the fly link through the lip strap.
The thicker of the 2 reins must be fitted to the rings of the bridoon and the thin rein fitted to the curb.
The bridoon bit lays higher up in the mouth than a snaffle to allow room for the weymouth. The bits should just be touching when in the horse’s mouth.
The curb chain should be fitted so it tightens on the chain groove when the Weymouth shanks are at 45°.
Know important items to be kept in a first aid box and their uses
Vet’s telephone number
Veterinary thermometer or digital - for taking horse’s temperature
Bowl - for antiseptic solution and Animalintex
Antiseptic solution - for cleansing wounds
Various types of bandaging including crepe - for covering dressings
Surgical or adhesive tape - for securing dressing and bandages
cotton wool - for cleansing wounds
Gamgee (baby nappies can be used) - for padding around dressings and legs
Sterile dressings eg Melolin - for applying to wounds
Common salt - for making saline solution for wounds eg 1 pint of water to 1 teaspoon of salt
Epsom salts (used when tubbing) - for bruises and punctures of the foot
Blunt ended scissors - for trimming hair around wounds and cutting dressings
Wound powder and antiseptic spray - for superficial wounds
A small box should be taken when travelling to shows containing:
A small bowl, various bandages, cotton wool, Gamgee, tape, sterile dressing, antiseptic solution, wound powder or spray, ice packs, animalintex, and cooling gel.
Take the horse’s temperature, pulse and respiration
Temperature
The temperature of a healthy horse at rest is 38°C (100°F). A rise in temperature will indicate pain, infection, fever, bacterial and viral diseases. More than 1°C above or below call vet. A fall in temperature will indicate a loss of blood, starvation, hypothermia and shock. A normal horse has a slight range of temperature therefore it is useful to know your horse’s normal temperature.
Have knowledge of methods of restraint of horses
Methods
-Confinement to restricted area
-Holding up a leg
-Using a twitch
-Sedation
Using a twitch
A twitch is a piece of thin rope attached to the end of a broom handle about 2 feet long and is placed round the horse’s upper lip and twisted until secure.
Application of the twitch usually causes the horse to go into a sleepy, trace like state. This is due to the release from the brain of a powerful painkiller called endorphins.
A metal twitch (humane) can also be used the same way.
Sedation
Where physical methods if restraint have failed arrange for vet to administer a sedative which can either be in paste or by injection.
NOTE do not feed horse immediately following sedation. Allow him to recover fully.
Have a basic understanding of how to care for an older horse
Regular routine such as work and feeding help to maintain the horse’s health and therefore his life.
There are many horses in their late teens and early twenties that are still competing. A lot depends on their early life, that they have not been over-ridden or competed on too young. As horses get older they need to keep working but less strenuously.
Feeding is important. There are plenty of foods specifically designed with the correct balance of vitamins and minerals suitable for an older horse.
The horse’s teeth may need frequent attention.
When horses are retired it may be nice for them to have company. They can be turned out to grass but generally need a stable for night time and rugs in winter.
They need to be seen each day and checked. Remember horses generally like work and attention so it is not fair to them to be turned out and left. They still need regular worming and regular attention the feet.
Remember old horses need TLC.
Know how to handle different types of horses (old/sick/young)
Horse must be encouraged to eat and drink - good quality soaked or steamed meadow hay, small tempting feds offered.
Regular checks on TPR
Keep warm with light rugs and bandage legs
Isolation procedure
If very ill, do not disturb horse with lots of grooming, just essentials ie eyes, nostrils, feet.
Remove bandages, light massage of legs and replace. As he improves so you can gradually do more grooming. Without using bright lights, visit him at night. Talk to him quietly. Just being with him can help.
Handling young horses
They should be handled from birth, taught to lead, pick up their feet and get used to being stroked and groomed lightly. When handling a young horse always be quiet but firm.
During this time they should have their feet trimming and also be wormed and vaccinated regularly.
Have knowledge of immunisations and records to be kept
All horses must have passports.
Immunisation is effective and standard practice for Equine Influenza, Tetanus and Herpes. Injections and boosters are recorded in the passport which must be available to be shown if requested at shows and Pony Club events etc.
Do not work the horse for at least 24 hours after injection then only lightly. Always take your certificate with you when travelling to shows.
Other records to be kept
-veterinary
-worming
-teeth
-shoeing
-feeding
Other records may be kept according to your horse
