Curious NPR contraption question

[Mellifluous]

What is the thing on this horse's front legs for?

Never seen anything like it? :question

http://tinypic.com/jzckee.jpg


It reminds me of the bungees that they make us use in jazzercise.

[appyday]

Looks to me an accident waiting to happen....I think they do not want him to go forward much is what I am seeing...

[halfmoonfino]

I believe it's used to get horses to snap their front legs up higher and with great force. Saddleseat thing... Terrible instrument! :evil: Makes me SICK!

[Cam]

I just watched a trainer working her horse (saddlebred) with one of those. She was using surgical tubing. Its to condition muscles according to her. (much like using theraband during physical therapy sessions I guess) Horse didn't seem to mind much, but yes, it looked awkward to me.