Showmanship chain

AutumnAttic · 01-03-2006, 06:43 AM

My mare prefers the chain over the nose.

Is that acceptable in showmanship classes? i always see them under the chin

John · 01-03-2006, 07:05 AM

under would be better

AutumnAttic · 01-03-2006, 07:13 AM

I know its whats preferred. But if autumn feels any pressure, her head goes way up, and its not very attractive lol.

WP Blue · 01-03-2006, 08:51 AM

I would first read the rules of the show or ask a show secretary , but it should be acceptable in most places..

CowGirlUp1833 · 01-03-2006, 09:10 AM

Is it required to have a chain at all? (I have NO idea) If its not required, does she need it? If not, I say skip it altogether. A horse (in most cases) should be trained well enough to not need it IMO.

alana529 · 01-03-2006, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowGirlUp1833

Is it required to have a chain at all? (I have NO idea) If its not required, does she need it? If not, I say skip it altogether. A horse (in most cases) should be trained well enough to not need it IMO.

I agree- skip the chain if you can. No, it's not required to use one, and I've done it for years. Fly would freak out too if he felt the chain, it was too much of a correction, so I first just looped it to itself, but that was too much weight and would make him crooked (mr. sensitive) so then I just took it off.

nd deb · 01-03-2006, 11:03 AM

I dont think they will allow over the nose.

Many use under the chin. Helps with squaring the horse up and with pivoting. But if you can get your horse to do it without a chin then that is a plus. If you teach it to go off of your body position then you probably wouldnt need one.

Love_Angelina · 01-03-2006, 11:46 AM

I know in 4-H you get disqualified for it being over the nose. But I don't know what types of shows you do. But Under would be preferred by most judges I do believe.

belle4 · 01-03-2006, 12:56 PM

Kim,

My horses will perform showmanship with no halter, let alone no chain. That's besides the point. In showmanship, you use a chain under the chin.

To the original poster, yes, the chain should go under the chin.

If the chain is over the nose, it gives the appearance that the horse is unruly. Wether it is or isn't, doesn't matter, it looks that way. It's distracting, makes the judge wonder why.

When using the chain in showmanship, the end of the chain comes out on the side of the halter. It makes for a more finished look to be holding the leather lead rope from the side instead of under the chin (with no chain). You have more control for precise cues and don't have to have your hand under the chin for turns, set ups, etc...

Also, most leather show leads have a chain. Then the question becomes what to do with the chain if you are not using it. It is bad horsemanship to loop the chain through the center ring of the halter and double it around to fasten. If the horse were to get his leg caught in the chain, it would be a disaster. Also, if you did loop the chain around, you are then holding onto the chain with your hands, again exhibiting poor horsemanship.

Oh'When · 01-03-2006, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Love_Angelina

I know in 4-H you get disqualified for it being over the nose.

That is not totaly true, i was doing a 4-H showman ship club and one girl had a very excitable horse but she did not put the chan ver the nose and the judge told her to put the chain over the nose, she ended up getting 1st..... just pinting that out... this has nothing to do with the original post

01-03-2006, 06:43 AM	#1
AutumnAttic Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Michigan U.S.A. Posts: 5,263 Images: 58	Showmanship chain My mare prefers the chain over the nose. Is that acceptable in showmanship classes? i always see them under the chin __________________ <3 Amber no guts = no glory I've been love struck.

01-03-2006, 07:13 AM	#3
AutumnAttic Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Michigan U.S.A. Posts: 5,263 Images: 58	I know its whats preferred. But if autumn feels any pressure, her head goes way up, and its not very attractive lol. __________________ <3 Amber no guts = no glory I've been love struck.

01-03-2006, 08:51 AM	#4
WP Blue Full Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Washington State Posts: 197 Images: 26	I would first read the rules of the show or ask a show secretary , but it should be acceptable in most places.. __________________ ~ Proud Owner of Blue - 1988 QH Gelding ~

01-03-2006, 09:10 AM	#5
CowGirlUp1833 Senior Member+ Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Holland Lake Shore, West Michigan Posts: 15,351 Images: 376 Blog Entries: 36	Is it required to have a chain at all? (I have NO idea) If its not required, does she need it? If not, I say skip it altogether. A horse (in most cases) should be trained well enough to not need it IMO. __________________ *Kimberly* www.Equine-Endeavors.com

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Chain Tie down/Caveson	cowgurl1811	Horse Chat	30	06-15-2005 12:09 PM
Chain Chewing	Bailey-Boots	Horse Training	17	04-07-2004 11:58 AM
Stud Chain	Steve	Horse Training	19	12-17-2003 07:05 PM
Stud Chain	Steve	Horse Grooming	12	11-13-2003 12:58 PM

01-03-2006, 07:05 AM	#2
John Senior Member+ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 3,117 Images: 31	under would be better

01-03-2006, 11:03 AM	#7
nd deb Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: ND Posts: 687 Images: 19	I dont think they will allow over the nose. Many use under the chin. Helps with squaring the horse up and with pivoting. But if you can get your horse to do it without a chin then that is a plus. If you teach it to go off of your body position then you probably wouldnt need one.

01-03-2006, 11:46 AM	#8
Love_Angelina Full Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: California Posts: 80 Images: 9	I know in 4-H you get disqualified for it being over the nose. But I don't know what types of shows you do. But Under would be preferred by most judges I do believe.

01-03-2006, 12:56 PM	#9
belle4 Senior Moderator Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 8,543 Images: 396	Kim, My horses will perform showmanship with no halter, let alone no chain. That's besides the point. In showmanship, you use a chain under the chin. To the original poster, yes, the chain should go under the chin. If the chain is over the nose, it gives the appearance that the horse is unruly. Wether it is or isn't, doesn't matter, it looks that way. It's distracting, makes the judge wonder why. When using the chain in showmanship, the end of the chain comes out on the side of the halter. It makes for a more finished look to be holding the leather lead rope from the side instead of under the chin (with no chain). You have more control for precise cues and don't have to have your hand under the chin for turns, set ups, etc... Also, most leather show leads have a chain. Then the question becomes what to do with the chain if you are not using it. It is bad horsemanship to loop the chain through the center ring of the halter and double it around to fasten. If the horse were to get his leg caught in the chain, it would be a disaster. Also, if you did loop the chain around, you are then holding onto the chain with your hands, again exhibiting poor horsemanship.