Bit advice wanted!

C

clairemassey1

Member
Joined
20 August 2014
Messages
19
Visit site
Looking for bitting advice for my 6yo 16.3hh suffolk punch x !
He's very green in the school and out and can be spooky, not traffic so much but everything else, can be strong but is quite sensitive! Need something to aid steering as is impossible in a normal snaffle! He just seems to be completely dead to contact, just nothig there it seems. Had recent dentist so not that as a problem.
have tried a normal snaffle (not good!) a fulmer with normal link and a full cheek happy mouth straight bar. Non seem to make a difference !
 
None taken ! Should have put that on the first post really, as soon as I got him I got an experienced instructor to help me & school him alongside to make sure things were right :)
 
I'd second a waterford. The only bit my horse is comfortable in other than a mullen mouth which I'm not comfortable in unless it's in the school due to lack of brakes!
 
Will the waterford have breaks too? This is a problem we have also, stopping is not his thing but we're working on it though need to get him out more for hacks so would like something with them just in case!
 
Absolutely. It took me 18 months to find a bit my horse was happy in and I had enough brakes with. Found 3 in the end. A mullen mouth hanging cheek for flat work (but brakes very dodgy outside the school!) a waterord hanging cheek for hacking and a waterfrod three ring gag with two reins for exciting stuff. He's very strong and has a huge tongue with a big lump on the top so was very uncomfortable in a jointed bit. The flexibility of the waterford means it shapes around his tongue so he's happy and I've got brakes so it's a win win. I'd go for a waterford with full cheeks to help the steering.

A lot of people criticise a waterford for being harsh, but since I started using one, I've heard of lots of horses who are much happier in them than 'softer' bits. I also barely have to touch it now - even on fun rides with horses gallping past us - his major issue - whereas I was hauling on a snaffle with very little effect as he was running from the pain caused by the jointed snaffle pinching the lump on his tongue.
 
Last edited:
A myler combination bit can works wonders, after trying just about every biting option on my v strong mare we were recommended one and for the first time I have brakes and steering, it's a very gentle bit and works on 5 different areas so they can't ignore it. My friend has her shire in one and he can no longer tank off with her and also has steering. Takes the finest of squeezes to get results.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top