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The Shadow Roll Can Help a Horse© Greg Melikov
Feb 23, 2005
There's a piece of equipment, sometimes quite colorful, that helps some thoroughbreds to improve. You won't find it listed in program or past performances like Lasix, blinkers and front wraps.
It's a large sheepskin band that fits over the nose to keep a horse's eyes focused forward and away from distractions underfoot.
It's called a shadow roll.
It goes on a horse that's been shying away from sudden changes in light that occurs on the track. It keeps the head low and prevents the horse from climbing, allowing the animal to run level.
Wearing a shadow roll may also signal a change in bits. That's the part of the bridle inserted into the steed's mouth.
A horse having trouble breathing might require changing the ring bit to a direct bit, which will help the animal run level and correct the problem.
So it might be a good idea to note on your program if your selection was wearing a shadow roll when running a particularly bad race. If not, it could make a difference next time out, especially if the blinkers come on.
Blinkers allow the wearer to better focus. The cloth hood with cup-like eye openings limits vision, preventing horses from swerving from objects or other rivals.
The use of blinkers is determined by running style. Adding blinkers will intensify a horse's speed, defusing distractions. Blinkers come off primarily to help a thoroughbred relax.
Lasix is given to a horse that suffers pulmonary bleeding due to a ruptured blood vessel during a race or workout. It acts as a diuretic, reducing pressure on the capillaries. First-time Lasix is especially helpful to 2-year-olds that faltered abruptly while on the lead.
Front bandages may warn that a horse has tendon or ligament problems. Trainers keep us guessing because the cotton bandages wraps also protect the animal from hitting itself. However, first-time front wraps often slow down runners and can throw a horse off stride.
There's another equipment change that doesn't appear in print, but can be viewed at some tracks on closed circuit TV -- shoes. That's right, horseshoes.
The type of shoes worn by horses depends on the situation. Plain shoes sometimes are replaced with block heels to lift weakened back ends of horses to let them grab the track better.
In addition, block heels are used on horses that tend to ground their heels, causing a burn. They also help heels from running down.
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these methods and materials were used in horse racing. Learned something new today!
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