Amateur Riding Horse Class Bit Advice

[snoopy1984]

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone can lend any affiliated showing advice? I have been out of the show ring for a few years now and would like to enter an Amateur Riding Horse Class. I've only ever ridden my youngster in a snaffle and while I can try a pelham (I don't fancy a double bridle just yet) I was wondering if I can wear a snaffle in these classes? I can't locate anything specifically in the rule book other than you can ride in a snaffle in the Novice classes. Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks!

 

[be positive]

There is no rule to stop you using a snaffle but the classes are open, not novice, so it will be expected that the horses will be educated enough to go in a double/ pelham, the judge will pick you out in the snaffle as being on a novice/ green/ difficult horse, insert whichever you like , and consequently you will be starting at a disadvantage, get the horse going in a pelham and you will be on a more level playing field.
Most horses will happily accept a double/ pelham, the double is actually in many ways easier to get them going in as you can use the bits independently and use the normal mouthpiece as the bridoon as long as they have room to take 2 bits, otherwise try a pelham and see how she goes, I usually pop it on, walk and trot to ensure they are relatively happy then go out for a hack so they are not too focused on the new bit and really going forward.

 

[snoopy1984]

There is no rule to stop you using a snaffle but the classes are open, not novice, so it will be expected that the horses will be educated enough to go in a double/ pelham, the judge will pick you out in the snaffle as being on a novice/ green/ difficult horse, insert whichever you like , and consequently you will be starting at a disadvantage, get the horse going in a pelham and you will be on a more level playing field.
Most horses will happily accept a double/ pelham, the double is actually in many ways easier to get them going in as you can use the bits independently and use the normal mouthpiece as the bridoon as long as they have room to take 2 bits, otherwise try a pelham and see how she goes, I usually pop it on, walk and trot to ensure they are relatively happy then go out for a hack so they are not too focused on the new bit and really going forward.

Great, thank you very much for the advice. Much appreciated!