Good Morning,
YES…I am very excited to have my CA visitors stop by and see me this weekend. Thank you for mentioning this in your responses. I am sure that JOHN will take many photos. I know he’ll be delighted to share them with you! As you may know, he loves photography!
Yesterday, when we talked about the REINS…(and yes…all of those terms you noted do fit Mike Smith’s basic concept)…John mentioned the REINS ARE THE PRIMARY WAY A RIDER COMMUNICATES WITH THE HORSE.
In conjunction with this, John wanted me to add that “HORSES HAVE A WAY TO COMMUNICATE BACK TO THE RIDER…AND THAT IS THROUGH THE BIT! It is ALL ABOUT A HORSE HAVING A HAPPY RESPONSIVE MOUTH.” In RACING, almost ALL of the communication by the rider is through the reins and the bit. The rider’s legs are not as important in giving the horse clues as it is when dealing with riding other breeds of horses. This is because the jockey spends so much time in a crouching position. The hands and touch on the reins holds great significance.
Thus, it is a very interesting dynamic…RIDERS/REINS and HORSES/BITS. The way a horse communicates back to rider through the BIT is how he/she holds the bit in the mouth: tightly, loosely, or on one side or the other. The rider must pay close attention to ‘how the horse is playing with the bit and responds to it”. This is very important.
There are many different types of bits. To name just a few, there are ring bits, snaffle (D-Bits) and leather prong bits. Perhaps if you have time, go to a tack shop one day and just look at the variety available. How a different BIT is selected for the horse depends on the horse, the horse’s response to the bit, and the type of message that needs to be developed through this communication. The trainer makes this decision while working with the horse.
Per John, the trick is for a trainer to find the bit that is most comfortable for the horse. It must be one the horse likes and responds to well when training and racing. The bottom-line is that the horse learns his/her lessons and responds to the equipment when asked by the rider…relax, change gears or pick-up speed.
A horse’s mouth is very sensitive and plays an important part in the ROLE of the BIT. Horses have dentists who check their teeth often…for general health reasons and also to be sure this equipment fits comfortably in their mouths. My dentist, Sonny Wilson, would check my teeth quite a bit. Horses’ teeth can develop sharp edges due to the fact that when they eat, they grind their teeth back and forth. Sonny would FLOAT (file) my teeth when needed. This was approximately every 3 months. He’d do this to be sure the sharp edges were taken care of properly and to be sure my mouth was comfortable.
As illustrated in the photo, I wore a K-K Snaffle Bit with a Roller. You can see the roller in the middle. It has 2 joints in it which added to my comfort. The K-K part simply notes that a special company made this bit and a metal alloy was used in the product that was really nice in my mouth.
It was also very important for ME to keep my tongue under the bit while racing for breathing purposes. (This is true for all horses.) Thus, per John, the roller in the middle of it also acted like a bit of a ‘pacifier’ for me. I would PLAY WITH IT while it was in my mouth and it would also kind of amuse me to do this. BUT, AT ALL TIMES, I also knew to respect the BIT and BE RESPONSIVE to it. I clearly understood all of the different messages Mike and Steve were giving me and what they were asking me to do…and I responded to them. They, in turn, did the same for me! We had GREAT COMMUNICATION!
Communication, as you know, is so important…on so many levels!
Off to play!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Max
Excellent post, Zenyatta. You are the best.
Sandy Twigg
@Judy, I went back and read and did not see where anyone addressed the psychological reason a horse would do this. The drop down or figure eight nose bands can stop this by keeping the horses mouth shut so the tongue cannot hang out!
I have always felt this was a displaced behavior the same as weaving or cribbinb. I would like John’s opinion.
Lauren
Love the kk Ultra bits. My horses love them to Z. your just simply amazing
L
@Sandy Twigg.
Sandy the drop down or figure eight can only keep the tongue from lolling out of the mouth. It can’t stop the horse from flipping their tongue over the bit.
Along with the reasons already given that having a horse flip their tongue over the bit is not desirable, it also compromises the communication between horse and rider. So a tongue tie is employed.
I don’t mean to sound like I’m trying to address your comment to John, it would be interesting to hear his take on the tongue out of the mouth as well. Just I feel its important to understand that the tongue out of the mouth and flipping the tongue over the bit are two separate training challenges.
Valeria Cannon
@Sandy, concerning the tongue-tie (I learned this from John and Lady Z), it is used to keep the horse from flipping the tongue over the bit and blocking the airway or from accidentally swallowing the tongue. Hpe this helps! Some trainers tie to the right and some tie to the left,and some tie down to bottom of the mouth, there’s no right or wrong choice as long as the horse’s airway is not blocked.
aybe John can explain to you why he uses the method he does. Thanks Lady Z for the class on horse equipment, quite enlightening! As far as Mike talking to Lady Z when their riding: according to him per Animal Planet’s Jockeys television series, he smooches and kiss at her while racing. If you look at the picture in the background of this page, you can see him doing that.
Valeria
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
Dear Robyn Mulhausen: Actually, I am a woman. Robbie is a boy’s nickname, which my family gave me b/c they wanted me to be a boy. (You can see, perhaps, why I have a tendency to notice gender relations.) I like the name, though, and have always used it even for publishing.
Even though we haven’t seen Zenyatta for some days now, I enjoy the instructive posts Zenyatta/Dottie have provided. Suddenly, I am learning so much from those who respond to the Diary Post and who have detailed experience that comes from owning and training horses. I’ve learned about different bits, that horses like copper, about the tongue tie and much more. When Zenyatta herself is present what can one do but adore her and knowledge fades from the mind.
The mare I ride Lucy has a somewhat thick curved snaffle with strips of what looks like copper alternated with some other metal, yellowish in color. These circular strips might be slightly movable (I have to check next time I ride). My instructor told me that Monty Roberts designed the bit. Lucy, who is so finicky, seems content with this bit.
Best regards–Robbie
S
Zenny, So may I ask for a little additional information. A few of my gang have enjoyed rollers and most of my young one usually start off with a D ring. However for us, legs (humans) are a very important part of the communication. Which lead to start off on or switch to, to stop, to turn etc. I am seriously considering adopting a retired racehorse looking for a good forever home. Just to pleasure ride and to pamper. What I am wondering…is how does the transition usually go from racing saddle and total hand and mouth partnership to a simple all purpose english saddle and adjusting to new directions and cues.
rachel
hi z just wondering when the moss’ are going to announce who you are going to be bred to thanks for the info in the BIT learned alot
Sherpa
Rock Hard Ten is too closely related to Zenny. Along with other relatives in common, RHT’s sire is Kris S – Zen’s maternal grandfather. Here’s his picture & info – I think they look a lot alike, too:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/sr_sire_page.asp?refno=6143344&origin=singlesearch
Helen & Guido
Hi Z. Thanks for the info. We remember that Secretariat had that sore in his mouth when he lost one of races. So we understand how important it is. And remember we are all thinking good thoughts about Monday. We know you deserve the award no matter what. We love you Z!
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta thank you for this educational post. We had a snowday today but I will read and explain this to my homeroom tomorrow. Wow so cool! I myself am learning so much. When I ride at Diane’s farm she makes sure the horse I am riding is all set. I am sure your family would never want to have anything in your mouth that would hurt you. I like the idea of the roller ball because it helped to be like a pacifier and relax you. Thank you sweet girl I LOVE these posts. I also want to say that no matter what Zinny you are to me and all of your fans HOTY and so much more. Stay warm many hugs and kisses from Shari in Ohio
Debbie
Dear Zenyatta,
I can’t wait to see the new photos (& hopefully more video?!) that John will take of you this weekend!! I found your information on the bit very interesting. I often noticed the gauze looking tie coming from your mouth when you raced. I wondered if this is used to keep your tongue down, & thus the airway open, while racing – or is it for another purpose?
Thank you!!! Hugs & warm breezes from L.A.
Judy Sims
Hi Zenny:
Another great, informative post. You have such a beautiful and soft nose and mouth. I would love to plant a big kiss on that nose. Hope your team can get to Kentucky and on here to Florida. As of today Florida is the only state that doesn’t have snow! We do have lots of stranded tourists though. One question I have been meaning to ask you is how did John find out you like Guinness? And another question I wondered how was it discovered that horses like peppermints? Back when I had my horses of course they loved carrots (we played games too – I would put the carrots in my back jeans pockets and they would “pick my pockets” and sometimes nip me on the rear end and give some snorts and little whinnie). They also liked sugar cubes but I never thought of peppermints or sweet potatoes either. Wish I had known because I think they would have loved them too. Anyway I guess carrots have always been favorites and they got pleanty of them. So glad you are getting lots of treats and lots of love.
Hugs & nose kisses.
Judy 8-)
Joan Walls
I like the information that you provide. It makes it so nice for a novice like myself. You are so beautiful and intelligent. Did you have fun outside in the snow today with you friends? Love and hugs – and maybe a few carrots and a little Guiness!
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, Thanks for the great post! I would like to know if Mike had a phrase he would say when racing that
put you in overdrive to finish the race? Did Mike talk to you during the race or was it all done with the hands on the reins? I’m looking forward to seeing the pictures of your Team Z & you. Thanks Dottie & Zenyatta for all the great info. on horseracing. I love you, Zenyatta. Zenyatta, you are right about communication. As long as you have open communication anything can be solved.
Hugs & Kisses From Alabama With Love, Amanda
Quarterhossgal
Zen….this looks like a fairly mild bit, so you must have a soft mouth. Usually you can thank the riders and trainers if a mature horse has a good mouth, that means the riders had good hands. I’m in agreement with people that question the use of the whip. As Monty Roberts (the original Horse Whisperer) says if whips were not used on any of the horses, the best horse would still win. We may be getting closer to whips being banned. Anyone that saw the last couple of races that Rachael Alexander ran might feel that she was whipped excessively, she didn’t deserve being hit by the stick so many times. She is a class filly that gave her all. Z was fortunate to have a rider that used the stick lightly and only as encouragement.
Janet Cutting
@Karen–love your comment about having one for your boss– funny!!! I really enjoyed this very educational post– Dottie you are very good with your explanations and pictures– Thanks much! Also, the add’l info added by all our fans helps too. Well, Team Z–have a safe trip and wonderful visit with Z. Is everyone going to get all dressed up and will Dottie get John’s hat off for 1 night? Have a great time–you all deserve it— Zenyatta HOY!!!!! Smiles, Janet C
Gayle
Oh Z! I am learning so much from you! I look forward everyday to my lesson. If I hace a question, can I call you? :)
Mary
Just love watching your videos – you are such a magnificent horse and your kindness to everyong amazes me. You make me smile.
Samma
Is that a curb strap with the dee? It looks very loose in the photo–what’s its purpose? And how does the tongue tie that M’lady Z is sporting affect the bit, if at all?
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Boy, little did I know that I would be learning so much about you and the equipment you used when you were on the track Zenyatta! You are one heck of an informative horse and very interesting indeed, a very good teacher and here again,I want to thank Dottie for helping you to do this, she is an absolute gem!
Hope you have a wonderful time when your visitors come from California to see you-pose real pretty girl for John when he points his camera at you!
Now go out and play, have fun
My Love & Blessings To You Zenyatta!
Jenna
Oh my goodness how interesting. This information is so..fantastic! I always wondered how the reins and the bit worked when communication back and forth. I am reading a book about racehorses and the bit and, so far, there was mention of that communication.
Thank you so much, Dottie.
Z! How are she doing and feeling? How is the bonding going with her new (human) friends? I’m glad her family is coming to visit this weekend on their way to FL. I hope they can visit her often. I know how life is but…you know.
Take care of our beautiful girl. HOY. I feel it. Good night, Dottie.
Big kiss, Z. Nighty night. Mwah.
Jenna
Another positive HOY article (love):
http://www.drf.com/news/zenyatta-vs-blame-steve-andersens-vote-horse-year
Debbie
love you Z! so happy you’re teaching us all about YOU! xo
Coach Thomas
Queen Z, I’m learning so much about Thoroughbreds and racing. Your diary post are so informative…thanks to all involved. Peppermint kisses, C
Lori K
ZENNY, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE INFORMATION. IT IS SO GREAT! YOU ARE A WONDERFUL TEACHER. I LOVE YOU SWEET Z LOVE LORI XOXO…
Alene
Hi Beautiful Zenny, Thanks for all the information. You guys are just awesome. All the time you take to explain things to your fans…Thanks Dottie, John, and of course Zenny!!! I`m waiting to go crazy on Monday watching the Eclipse Awards…You BEST WIN!!!! If something else occurs they will hear from me.. You can be sure of that and I know the right people My Zenny Love you Lots of Big Hugs and Kisses, Alene
L
@Samma
Samma it’s not a curb strap, it’s a chin strap. It doesn’t have any play on the bit action, it just helps to keep the bit balanced in the mouth and from sliding through the mouth.
The tongue tie has no bearing on the action of the bit beyond keeping the tongue from flipping over the bit.
Julie DuVall
Ah, no wonder it was so hard to get a photo of you with your mouth closed: you were having fun playing with your yummy bit!
LauraJ
Since we’ve been talking about tongue ties, you might find it amusing that track maintenance personnel don’t like them. This statement is printed in Turfway Park’s Overnights book along with the other track rules and regulations:
PLEASE DO NOT THROW TONGUE TIES ON THE RACETRACK!!!!!!!!.