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17
THE PASTERN STRAP SHOULD NOT BE TIGHT!
Approximately two fingers’ width of clearance under the strap is
recommended. The pastern strap is
NOT
the primary means of boot
retention; this is the job of the Heel Captivator. The pastern strap is a
“check strap” to prevent the Heel Captivator from pulling downward off the
heel bulbs in the event of an overreach from a hind hoof , interference with
opposing hooves, or when riding through heavy brush, etc.
11. You should see a gap under the strap as shown above.
Setting the pastern strap tightly will not allow the Heel Captivator to find its
equilibrium with the bulbous shape of the heel bulbs and may force it up
against the backside of the pastern bones which could lead to rubbing.
Keep in mind that just as the pasterns descend during weight loading, they
also move forward just before the hoof leaves the ground. If the pastern
strap is too tight, then this forward movement of the pastern acts upon the
Heel Captivator, pulling it forward and upward in an undesirable cyclical
manner.