Research Update: The Effect Of Different Riding Crops On Force Exertion

Riding crops and whips are often used as a training or communication aid between horse and rider. In the racing industry, the employment of riding crops and whips is regulated to prevent overuse or misuse. A recent study by the New York Institute of Technology evaluated differences in force between crops with flat leather poppers and soft, padded poppers.

Two flat nylon thread leather poppers and one circular, foam-padded popper were evaluated with crop rods that varied in flexibility. Each crop was secured above a flat target plate, bent upward reaching its limit, and released. Force upon impact to the plate was measured and recorded by a digital scale. The face and side of the flat leather poppers were tested. This procedure was then repeated 30 times per crop.

Researchers found that the force exerted by the individual popper depended on the flexibility of the crop's rod. Therefore, the circular, foam-padded crop could exert more or less force than the flat leather popper depending on the material of the rod. As a result, selecting a crop based on the type of popper is not sufficient when attempting to minimize potential force to the horse. While this study is not a complete representation of crop use during riding, these findings provide useful insight to factors that can influence force from riding crops.

For more information read the abstract in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Sciences.

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The Perfect Pack: A Professional’s Packing Protocols

Farrier Mitch Taylor, founder of the Kentucky Horseshoeing School, tells Horse & Rider that there are a variety of reasons a horse owner may pack their mount's feet, but packing should always provide support for the frog and sole.

Taylor noted most horses wear pads under their shoes for one of two reasons: to provide protection or to provide structural support. Pads are never placed on a horse with nothing between the pad and the sole—this space needs to be filled to prevent dirt and debris from entering and packing to the point where it might bruise the hoof. Farriers can fill this space with a variety of things to provide cushioning and protection.

Taylor says that for a pad that's being used to provide protection, he likes to use Magic Cushion. Taylor said he also uses this product in hooves overnight on a variety of horses to relieve soreness and provide protection. Once packed in a horse's foot, Magic Cushion begins reducing hoof heat within an hour.

For a horse that wears pads to provide structural support, Taylor uses a material similar to silicone putty or impression material that will go back to shape no matter how it is stretched or pressed. Taylor often uses this material on horses with laminitis when the coffin bone rotates and tries to drop out of the sole of the hoof.

Overall, Taylor's favorite type of pad is leather, as it has more give than plastic pads and is somewhat breathable. He also says that the leather is easier to manipulate and customize to each horse and their specific issue.

Read more at Horse & Rider.

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