A lead shank, shank, or stud chain is used on difficult horses that are misbehaving. It consists of a lead made of cotton, nylon, or leather, with a chain end. The chain end has a clip on the end, which is attached to the middle ring of the halter when a horse is behaving. Their true purpose, however, is to be used on the head of the horse. Lead shanks are usually used on high-strung horses such as Thoroughbred race horses, or possibly difficult or dangerous horses, such as stallions or those that have been on stall rest and will not respond to a regular lead.
Applying the Shank
The shank should never be used harshly (unless the situation is truly dangerous) or in one, long continuous pull. Hard jerks can frighten a horse, damage his head, or cause a horse to rear. Light, short tugs are generally enough to get the attention of a horse. The chain should only come into action when pulled, not when hanging loosely. The handler should not hold the chain itself, as it can hurt the handler's hands should the horse pull back or move its head quickly.
Attachments
- Over the nose: The shank is run through the left ring of the halter (on the side of the face), wrapped once around the noseband of the halter, threaded through the right side nose ring of the halter, and attached on the upper right ring of the halter (near the ears of the horse). It must be attached to the upper right ring, not the lower ring, as the halter can slide in the horse's eye when the shank is applied. When pressure is applied, the shank puts pressure on the nose of the horse, causing him to lower his head or become more aware of the handler's signals. If the shank is used harshly, the handler can damage the horse's nose.
- Under the chin: the shank is run through the lower left ring of the halter, under the chin, through the lower right ring of the halter, and attached to the upper right ring. This tends to make a horse raise his head.
- Chain through mouth: The chain is run through the left lower ring, through the mouth, through the right lower ring, and attached to the upper right ring. This is quite severe and can damage the mouth if used harshly.
- Chain over gum: similar to the chain through the mouth, except the chain is rested on the upper gum of the horse's mouth, under the upper lip. Severe, may cause bleeding if the horse resists. May be used if a twitch is not available.
- Chain around the nose: the chain is attached similar to over-the-nose, but the shank is continued around and under the chin, and attached back on itself. This covers more of the horse's face, giving more control.
