The recent modification of the lip chain rule by the AQHA Executive Committee (EC) has caused mixed emotions within the horse industry. In an announcement made December 7, the EC ruled that a lip cord may now be used on stallions 1-year-old and older in the amateur and open classes only. Many within the industry believe it is a good compromise, while others think it does not help the amateurs and youth who need it for safety reasons while showing mares and geldings.
We spoke with multiple halter trainers and exhibitors and asked them their opinion on this controversial subject.
But first, let’s address exactly what a lip cord is according to the 2016 AQHA Rulebook:
SHW 355. Halter Equipment
SHW355.1 For purposes of this rule, the term “allowed lip cord” shall only mean:
SHW355.1.1 a round smooth soft/flexible nonabrasive cotton polyblend cord with a dense core that has an unsecured keeper with at least 3/4 inches of the cord outside of the halter before attachment of keeper or leather part of lead shank;
SHW355.1.2 is applied only over gum and not through mouth;
SHW355.1.3 with respect to the cord applied over the gum, is made up of cord having a diameter of at least 3/8 inches; cord applied over gum may not contain internal or external metal.
SHW355.1.4 no foreign substances or additional materials may be added to the lip cord
According to Bob Falvey, owner of the Round Pen tack store in Florida, a regular lip cord will cost $65.00, while a fancier one with full length stitching is priced at $95.00.
Falvey is surprised that AQHA decided to put this rule into effect as quickly as January 1 of 2016. “It seems very rushed to ask everyone to have one in just two weeks,” Falvey told us. “We have to order the rope and it takes time, but I’m not the one that makes the rules. We will do the best we can to get them out in a timely manner.”
Find out what many trainers and exhibitors think about this new change and vote in our poll at the end of the article.
Ted Turner – I think it is a start, but it is really putting a band aid on the issue. The problem lies in that it is the amateurs and youth who need the lip cord the most. I’m not worried about the trainers. We are taking the support that is crucial from the people who need it the most.
Tom and Mary Robertson – We had worked with AQHA to perfect the new lip cord, and were one of the test horses at the Congress. We are very please with it and felt that it gave sufficient control while being less obtrusive. We are, however very disappointed with the outcome of the ruling. The most important issue for us is our Youth and Amateur, AQHA has left them out it the cold. It is extremely unfair! AQHA is not thinking of the welfare of its showmen and children.
Luke Castle – We have been going back and forth with the EC since April on this issue, and they listened to us and worked with us on a solution. I applaud their efforts. I have tried the new lip cord and it seems to work on the studs but I haven’t been out in a pen with one. The people that need it are the people 60 and older that get involved in the industry because it is physically the only class they are able to show in. I believe this decision could cause a decrease in the entries in the youth and amateur classes.
Debby Brehm – I personally do not like lip chains but feel they are a necessary tool to use if needed with stallions. I always used one with any stallion I have ever shown and am glad that AQHA is allowing the lip cord to now be that tool.
Ross Roark – Personally, I am happy that AQHA and the Executive Committee listened to us and tried to help us out. They didn’t have to do anything and could have refused to listen to us at all. It is a very controversial issue and I think their decision to allow lip cords with stallions is a positive step in the right direction. We can now just move forward from here with the best interests of AQHA and the halter horses in mind.
Todd Grant – I think it is great that AQHA has extended an olive branch to the halter exhibitors. I think it is a good compromise but I do think it needs to also cover youth and amateurs. It is used as a safety belt for many youth and amateurs and for many, it is a psychological thing and taking this tool away from them causes more anxiety and fear. We want our clients to have the best experience possible and I think allowing them to use a lip cord will help bring comfort back to many of my customers who are afraid to show them without this extra safety measure.
Jason Smith – One of my customers used a lip cord at the Congress and they got along fine. If anyone saw the stallion that came apart at the Congress this year, knows that it could have been a lot more dangerous if this horse did not have a lip chain. I just don’t think the EC gave enough since so few people show stallions. Of course, we have to deal with whatever rules they decide, but I believe it is going to cause the entries to go down in the amateur and youth classes. It is a security blanket for many exhibitors and taking that away will drive many people away from the class. There has never been a letter written about abuse with a lip chain. Anyone can make something look bad but there is no evidence presented by anyone that the ip chain is inhumane. I don’t think the EC had the best interests of its members that show in mind when modifying this rule.
JT and Katie Mitchell – Most of our horses will be fine without a lip cord. We had an Amateur this year that was more relaxed without a lip chain on hers, even when it got excited. She felt she had his attention more with the chain out, because with it in, he was just thinking about the chain and not her. However, there is always the few that need one. We would like to have that option if we needed it. I showed both of my horses at this year’s World without one and of course JT couldn’t use one in the Open. We had a very successful year, regardless of chain use. I think they were wise to at least allow them back in the stallion classes. It is best for the safety of exhibitors and judges in pen. I feel they should give them to youth and amateurs also, but I’m not sure they will sway back the other way.
Ramona Amos Caldwell – It is a small appeasement step. It does little to protect the safety choice of our youth, select, amateurs and professionals. We who oppose the Lip Chain Ban will continue our opposition and legal direction as an unfair rule and discrimination to halter exhibitors.
Linda Pigg – I am glad to see they made this move; it is good for our industry. I show and handle quite a few stallions, so I am very pleased. This will be a huge benefit for those who enjoy showing and promoting stallions. The new cords that were used by a few at Congress appeared to work well and were pleasing to the eye.
Kathryn deVries Mitchell – I think it is an attempt at a compromise. But I don’t agree with the whole lip chain ban in general. I think you ban the abuser not the tools. It’s like banning spurs in pleasure or only allowing hunt seaters to show in rubber snaffles; it’s not the end of the world but it isn’t logical. People that abused with lip chains will find other ways to get the same horses shown. Having said that, I realize that the line has been drawn in the sand on this issue and we won’t get lip chains back. The lip cords can be used effectively and will at least give those with stallions a way to stay a little safer.
Andy Staton – I’m tickled to death that they are allowing the lip cords for stallions. There are two stallions that I have shown that would never make an appearance back in the show arena without a lip chain/lip cord. I like the feel of it. I have tried it and it works fine on our stallions. I think it was a good compromise with the EC and all the different groups that have different agendas. However, I think it needs to also be allowed with youth and amateurs. Halter is different than most classes. The trainers do most of the work and many of the amateurs only touch the horses right before they go into the arena. They aren’t up late at night practicing like many of the exhibitors that show in the performance classes. It is a safety issue in the makeup pens, with the judges and exhibitors. I thought that with all the images of American Pharaoh having a lip chain; many would understand that it is a necessary and humane tool. Again, I’m glad the lip cord is allowed with stallions, but the new rule doesn’t help most of the people that need it.
Robin Robinett – I am pleased they are allowing something. They say a chain is harsh. Have you ever had a rope burn? Then, how your skin hurts when the top layer comes off and to put the rope back on top of that skin. A chain is way more humane if used properly in my opinion. Not all mares and geldings can be shown without anything by a youth or amateur. These animals are like athletes that get their adrenaline pumping when it’s time to perform and I am afraid someone could get hurt if they don’t allow across the board. Just my opinion whether it be right or wrong.
Michael Ochetto – I think it’s great to see AQHA and WCHA listen to the voices of their membership while keeping the welfare of the horses as the top priority.
Photo © AQHA, Katie Mitchell, Tom Roberston, K.C. Montgomery
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