Bit advice - “downgrade” from Waterford gag

[Love]

Hi everyone

I’m after some bitting advice. I currently ride my 13yo Connie in a Waterford gag (the 2 ring version not 3 ring). We originally put him in this a good few years ago for jumping/hunting and it was a game changer. He really respects it and I hardly ever have to “use” it - I feel just having it in is enough. I kept him in it for everything I did as he also schools very nicely in it (if it isn’t broke don’t fix it).

I’ll be keeping him in this for faster work and jumping but in terms of flatwork however I really don’t need something so strong. I would also like something BD legal as I’m thinking of making my dressage diva debut once I’ve got my trailer test under my belt in a few months time. (I would eventually like to event him as I think he would find it fantastic fun - all of his favourite things)!

I’m not massively clued up on bits and there are so many out there - does anyone have any suggestions of some options I could try? I was tempted to try the loose ring Waterford snaffle - although I don’t technically “need” the Waterford mouthpiece he really seems to like the flexibility of it. He really doesn’t like single jointed bits.

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Lauren x

 

[Lintel]

How about a peanut style of bit, that way it isn't so rigid and fixed like the single joint?

 

[C1airey]

Lots of horses go well in a Waterford because the extra joints allow it to make a more comfortable shape over the tongue. I’d look for either a double jointed bit with curved canons, or a straight bar with a low port.

 

[Shay]

I had an ISH who went brilliantly in a waterford mouthpeice for SJ and XC. We used an NS baucher hanging cheek for dressage.

 

[Cortez]

Lots of horses go well in a Waterford because the extra joints allow it to make a more comfortable shape over the tongue. I’d look for either a double jointed bit with curved canons, or a straight bar with a low port.

Lots of horses go "well" in a waterford because it's a bloody barbaric, painful bit and they are too frightened to fight it, which would be why it's completely illegal for dressage.

 

[C1airey]

Lots of horses go "well" in a waterford because it's a bloody barbaric, painful bit and they are too frightened to fight it, which would be why it's completely illegal for dressage.

Any bit which doesn’t fit the horse’s mouth conformation is going to be painful, just as a well-fitting bit in a pair of savage hands will be the same. You’re entitled to your opinion, and plenty of people will share it, but the OP has asked for help and I fail to see how your post has offered any.