silly question about a photo..

[Crystal]

ok, so reading the bloodhorse this morning, yadda yadda yadda.. Rags to Riches has Giants Causeway filly.. yadda yadda yadda.. Looking at the photo of the gentleman leading her at Ashford,, what type of nylon lead rope is he using.. It looks like a doubled over - through the chin ring on the halter rope?? She doesnt look like a wild thing who needs a stud chain or anythng, but I was just wondering if a lot of farms do this or use a good ole' snap lead?

[pfrsue]

Others can answer better than I, but it looks like just a really quick way to release her if she acts up going into the pasture. Years ago, when I was a working student at a large stable (not Thoroughbred) I remember we had to use something similar on a boarders' gelding who was a really incorrigible bolter during turnout.

Come to think of it, the bolter was a Thoroughbred, but he was a nice boy to work with in all other ways.

[cewright]

what type of nylon lead rope is he using..??

It is 1/2" (or 9/16") braided nylon mooring line. Available at most marine supply stores as well as most larger sporting goods stores. Basically, a braided lead without the snap. You will notice at the track the gate crew and pony riders use long leather straps to lead and load the horses. These are the same idea only the braided line is easier to take a hold of when needed. We also us the same line to make the reins for our colt starting rigs for the same reason.

Chuck

[AscotStud]

When I was at Ashford, we would lead foals with the same leads. The idea "from what I was told" was that if the horse were to get loose it would be more inclined to relax and be caught without a shank dangling from its head hitting it in the chest and legs. We didn't use them on mares, but maybe they have changed their policy with some of them.

[Crystal]

I didnt even think about it with foals,, that is a good idea.