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The definition of "mud caulks" has changed over the years.
Years ago, mud caulks, or mud stickers, were simply a sticker on the outside of the rear shoes.
Jar caulks were stickers midway on the sides of both front shoes.
Over time, the use of stickers on the rear shoes became less prevalent, and what was previously known as jar caulks became known as mud caulks.
The biggest complaint about these mud caulks (today's definition) is that too many trainers were using them on dry tracks. When they were known as jar caulks, it had nothing to do with mason jars. It had everything to do with the action it had when those stickers grabbed the racing surface. This "jarring" is especially pronounced on dry tracks, and most vets and blacksmiths will tell you that they add a couple of lengths, but at the cost of front end soundness.
Unfortunately, many trainers today consider their horses expendable and have no hesitation to gain an advantage at any cost.
Hence, the ban.
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