racers' behavior toward the ponies

[Toccet02]

I believe I know why, but my mother in law just asked "why the race horses always have their heads hanging over the other horse's necks" when being taken to the gate. She's right of course: there's usually pushing, nipping and "lipping" going on. Thought it would be fun to ask my forum for their expert opinions and experiences.

[Roger]

Just one observation without factual conclusion. It seems that the most aggressive and or active or most submissive loose the race to those that pay no attention to the pony. I really like it when TVG shows us the post parade, but I would not bet the farm on my observation.

[magic code]

That's their only physical contact with another horse (outside of bumping during a workout or race.)

[Toccet02]

right . . .and horses greet each other by testing the waters as far as pecking order, etc. Although I assume most of these race horses feel superior to the typical middle aged gelding that the ponies are.

[madelyn]

OFHS. That is how tight the pony RIDER is holding the horse so it can't get away. Sometimes they have the horse's lead snubbed once around the horn. The racehorse is not willlingly "hanging his head over" the pony.

[Roger]

right . . .and horses greet each other by testing the waters as far as pecking order, etc. Although I assume most of these race horses feel superior to the typical middle aged gelding that the ponies are.

Again its just my experience, but many ponys do their work with their ears pinned back and they can intimidate a lot of race horses and they can make one behave.

[Toccet02]

OFHS. That is how tight the pony RIDER is holding the horse so it can't get away. Sometimes they have the horse's lead snubbed once around the horn. The racehorse is not willlingly "hanging his head over" the pony.

what's OFHS mean?

[mlwinter]

Of all the horses I have ponied, I have never ponied with a horse's head over my pony's neck. There are so many reasons why that is not a good senario....

[madelyn]

Oh For Heaven's Sake

[amanda1]

I am an outrider at TDN, and I never allow a horse to put their head over my pony's neck. I have had horses get their ring bits caught on my saddle horn. I do keep some naughty horses close to me, even sometimes pulling their head into my lap. It just depends on the horse, some need a tight hold and some go better on a loose hold a couple feet away from the pony.

Most of the racehorses that climb on the ponies are the ones that are tense and a little rattled. They show their stress, agitation, readiness to run (whatever the case may be) in the only way they can....by misbehaving on the way to the gate. Some of them try to push the ponies around, or bite them. Others are stressed and are looking for a little comfort, so they try to get as close as they can.

The best ponies are the ones that can push back. Ponies will pin their ears or physically push the racehorse over with their shoulders. A pony with a little attitude can be a great help with a fractious racehorse.

[amanda1]

Also, wrapping the lead around the saddle horn is called dallying off, and is just asking for trouble.

[madelyn]

I'm not saying that pulling the horse's head over the pony's neck, OR wrapping the lead on the horn are GOOD practices, just that I've seen them done (often).

[reenci]

yeah, and it costs me 20 bucks for the pony...most of my horses never need one.....at least the smart one's.....but sometimes it's well worth it.

[Toccet02]

Oh For Heaven's Sake

Don't forget in your exasperation, Madelyn, that I do not work in the industry and it's hard to see on the TV that the horses are being held tight that way. So that's why I ask . . .

[madelyn]

That was not directed at the question, but at the questionable answers, blaming equine behavior. Dragging the horse's head over the pony increases the risk of leg and hoof collisions and is not a good thing. I have ponied and have NEVER had a horse try to hang its head over my pony on the way to the post.