Lead Shanks are sometimes called “stud chains”. Some lead lines have a chain (usually between 18″ and 30″) attached to the lead with a snap end. By wrapping or threading the chain in various ways through a halter (such as over the horse’s nose or under the chin) the chain transmits more powerful and more meaningful corrections to the horse. For this reason, they are most often used to get better control of high strung, difficult or more dangerous horses.
The handler does not hold the chain directly. It would be very uncomfortable and could cause hand damage. By the same token, jerky or severe handling of the lead with a shank chain can also cause pain or cause a horse to become frightened or rear.
See Stud Chain
A Bit Shank is the bar that has a ring that attaches to the bridle headstall at the top (headstall loop), the bit in the middle and and the rein ring on the other end. The length of the shank is important, as the longer the shank below the bit (lever), the more pressure is applied to the horse’s mouth with less rein pressure from the rider. However, longer shanks must rotate before applying pressure, and in doing so give a horse “warning” of the needed action BEFORE pressure is applied (signal). Thus, a horse can be sensitized to light cues as his training progresses.
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