2 bits or 1 ??

[KautoStar1]

Some advice please.....
I want to start showing my ID in breed classes this year but at this stage of his development (he is 8, but a slow starter) I don't want to start messing about with double bridles, pelhams etc. I appreciate its correct dress to show with 2 reins, but he is working so well in his snaffle that I am loathed to change anything just yet. Its more important to me that I carry on with correct training than confuse him or undo the good work we've achieved. But will I be marked down for showing in a snaffle ?
Thanks

 

[LiveryList]

Depends what level you are planning but as it would be your first season i imaging he would be in novice classes initially where a snaffle would be more than acceptable.

However, you will often find double bridles worn in most show classes (particularly horse classes) and personally i do think they make for much better turnout. As a judge it would make no difference to me it would be more on how the horse goes, and then secondly how it is turned out.

If you are reluctant to use a weymouth set you could opt for a Rugby pelham which is a single bit but gives you the ability to ride with double reins. I always used this in my ponies as they had smaller mouths and although i should have done so i felt it was somewhat mouth filling for them to have a Weymouth set in!

It does depend on the horse though. My old mare was shown to county level sucessfully and when i started competing at higher levels i opted for a weymouth set which she actually went better in than her normal snaffle. When she had the weymouth set in it was like she knew it was show time and she switched to a totally different way of going (a good one )

I dont think you will undo iwork already put in i
f you just use the showing bridle for showing- as a work bridle as it were. I never use my double bridles other than one schooling session in the week before the show and at the show itself. When i am competing regularly i only use it on show days. this way it does not cofuse the horse nor its day to day way of going.