Bit Advice

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maddielove

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Been wondering for a while about whether or not the bit i have is really what's best for maddie.
i ride in a single jointed dutch gag, rein on the second ring
i changed to this from an eggbutt snaffle as i didn't give enough control when she became strong.
she doesnt accept the bit at all, and consistently pokes her nose out. also opens her mouth but a flash has storted this problem.
in the dutch gag when she becomes strong she takes hold of the bit and leave me with very little controll still. thought about putting the reins onto the bottom ring, but maybe this may make the problem worse.
any suggestions greatly accepted.
 
have you tryed her in a sweet iron french link loose ring snaffle? I sware by them, harder to lock on to and as someone said (i think it was xephonon) not sure.. the key to the horses mouth is salivation.. and the sweet iron cause the horse salivate =o) good luck.
Lou x
 
i was thinking about a more appealing mouthpiece such as the sweet iron or maybe a happymouth?

doesn't help that we don't know what she used to be ridden in
 
happy mouths can make their mouths dry, and I dont think are a particularly nice material. If your going for a synthetic, go for Nathe, but they are expensive! IMO you'll be better off with a double jointed sweet iron snag#ffle, to give her something less to lean on. The more you give them to pull against, the more they'll pull!!
 
thank you, never really were taught much about happy mouths at stable managment, only that they gave it to one of the babys cause it was nice on their mouth.
 
would you reccomend a loose ring or could i use an eggbutt?
her cheeks get very easily pinched and are still recovering from previous pinching
 
Never mind any other style- get her out of that single joint pronto!

How would you like it if your tongue was pinched and the joint poked you in the roof of the mouth every time your owner even half halted.

You cannot ascertain which bit she likes until at least putting her in one that is more ergonomic & comfy!!!!
 
Incidentially opening the mouth could have been in response the joint acting on her palate - your response was to shut her mouth.

I am not being bitchy, but too many people shut their mouth rather than try to find a solution (Myler bits do not advocate the use of any constrictive noseband)
 
Am with CSJ on this - I have a total hatred against flashes - if I horse is opening its mouth it is usally because of resistance - so by putting on a flash strap you are putting a resistance against a resistance! Never a happy combination!
 
cheers guys, taking on board your advice.
i've ridden her in a vulcanite mullen mouth..she still opened her mouth and crossed her jaw so it's hard to tell whether or not the flash is needed...also should have noted she likes to go against everything you tell her to do and do what she wants...whether or not this is because she doesnt like what i do or she just ignores me..i do not know but she isVERY used to getting her own way as she was broken and ridden for 9 years of her like by a very small woman who let her get away with everything for her own saftey[cause she's a hefty 15.2 cob who knows how to throw her weight around]
will try her in a french link and will definatley try a sweet iron mouthpeice..make it more appealing to her.
 
I had my horse in a normal eggbut and he used to lean at times. Put him back in his sweet iron french link loose ring and he is so much better. If he has had a good schooling session he has a nice foamy mouth and seems much more relaxed.
 
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