BD bit recommendations please!

[MumofWhiz]

Hi, my friend and I are going to take Breggey to a dressage competition in a few weeks time. I normally ride in a Dutch Gag and she uses a Pelham ..... obviously neither of these are suitable! We have a hanging check lozenge snaffle which I have competed her in for dressage but, to be honest, it's as much use as a chocolate teapot!! Breggey is being schooled for us each week and coming along much better - she is more balanced and goes in an outline much better now. I wondered if anyone could suggest a good bit for us to try for her please? She's a 7yo Irish Draught and wears a flash noseband as she does love to stick her tongue out!!

Many thanks.

 

[be positive]

What is the trainer schooling her in? and what are you using for lessons if you are having them? the problem with using bits that are not dressage legal and for both of you to use something different means there is a lack of consistency and the horse is getting a different feel every time she is ridden.
I would want to know why she is sticking her tongue out and look at getting a bit that suits her better rather than using a flash to prevent it, if she has a large tongue you need to get a bit that allows her to be comfortable and gives room for the tongue without putting pressure on it which should make it easier for her to stop sticking it out.

It sounds as if the 3 riders need to work together to find a way forward with suitable bitting, I know you share her but she really should be able to be ridden in the same bit most of the time, it may be she requires something stronger for faster work but a green horse will not really benefit from being schooled in either a dutch gag or a pelham as they will both tend to give a false impression of the horse working correctly and make working in a snaffle more difficult which is probably why you are struggling with the one you have tried.

Your trainer is best placed to advise on the way forward, they are riding her regularly and should have the experience to make suggestions as to what may suit her, they can then use it for the schooling sessions so you are all working in the same direction.

 

[MumofWhiz]

The woman who schools her just uses the Dutch Gag; I think we need to put our heads together and find another alternative. You're right re different bits aren't the best for a green horse but my friend likes her in a Pelham as it gives her the confidence knowing she can stop easily if needs be. Thank you for your advice.

 

[be positive]

The woman who schools her just uses the Dutch Gag; I think we need to put our heads together and find another alternative. You're right re different bits aren't the best for a green horse but my friend likes her in a Pelham as it gives her the confidence knowing she can stop easily if needs be. Thank you for your advice.

I would not be happy having her schooled in the DG if you want to do some dressage the trainer should be working towards that, even if initially she moves the reins up so it is less of the gag action. It can be a difficult time getting them in something suitable but by working together it should be possible even if your friend still uses the pelham for hacking to give her confidence.

 

[MumofWhiz]

Thanks for your advice be positive - I'll have a word with her.