Bit advice

MrsHutt

MrsHutt

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Had a really good private lesson today and hack out yesterday. H was perfect and did exactly as I asked the whole time!

However, YO/instructor asked if she could put him in a slightly harsher bit when in a group lesson as he has a tendency to 'tank off' when in a group (not ridden by me). She said that he needs to learn he can't do that and would only need it for a while.

He currently has a French link and I think she wants to use a 'normal' snaffle ??

Now, I have mixed feelings about this - I feel like we are just getting sorted together. He does exactly what I ask and I feel happy and confident on him (most of the time!) but he is used by others on the school and I would ultimately like to join in group lessons (safely!).

What do you think?
 
hi i would see what he is like when you ride him in a group yourself i would always ride in a snaffle were poss i think people are a bit quick to put stonger bits in sometimes.
 
Difficult to say without knowing what bit your instructor is recommending.

I'm assuming by "normal snaffle" you mean a single joint?

I would never, ever put a single jointed bit in a horse's mouth again due to the nutcracker effect.
 
Say no - why should you put a harsher bit in his mouth and potentially harden his mouth for someone else? Its great to have a horse who will work well in the midlest of bits! If they cant hold him and you can, they shouldnt be riding him - and you dont want someone bumbleing around with clumsy hands.
 
I'd suggest a Kimble wick with a Cambridge mouth - the bit is not necessarily stronger but the action is different and it will do far less damage than a stronger snaffle.

I take it he must be a working livery and has to do some school time. I used to have my horse on that system - I hated it but couldn't afford full livery. Ask the YO if she is prepared to ensure that suitable riders get put on him.
 
Eriskayowner said:
Difficult to say without knowing what bit your instructor is recommending.

I'm assuming by "normal snaffle" you mean a single joint?

I would never, ever put a single jointed bit in a horse's mouth again due to the nutcracker effect.
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Sorry - don't really know what she means. She said 'one like F has' - so I went and looked at his and it was what I always thought a 'snaffle' was :confused: Two parts which join in the middle. His also has 3 rings.

Please excuse my ignorance about this! I would be reluctant to join in a group lesson myself if she really thinks he's going to tank off with me, after all my past confidence issues and only just getting better!

And yes, he's on working livery - besides being the only way I can afford it, it means he is ridden in the week when I can't get there. I wish it wasn't so - but I get to ride him every day in the school holidays. I think she does try to match horses to riders, but it is only a small school and she is short of 15hh+. Not ideal, I know!
 
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stupid phone..
I wouldn't want to put my horse in a gag tbh..
when you say he's tanking off, is he setting his neck or just getting a bit excited?
 
Hi , a snaffle with a single joint rests on your horses tongue and when you use the reins it pushes down onto the tongue . A french link means that you dont get that downwards pressure , so its alot nicer in your horses mouth . You may find that a bit that gives you poll pressure or curb pressure or abit of both rather than pressure in your horses mouth may work quicker and suit your horse better . Alot of horses are fine when not under pressure , you find out if your bit really works when you really start using the bit ( say hunting , schooling or jumping ) thats when you get the true picture if your bit works ! The long term aim is to get out of basic snaffle . With schooling/training you should be able to change to a kinder bit ( move the pressure from inside the mouth to outside , poll,curb ) its alot more subtle and you get a quicker response and therefore you give the reward of releasing the pressure quicker . What bit does your instructor think ?
 
Evelyn said:
I'd suggest a Kimble wick with a Cambridge mouth - the bit is not necessarily stronger but the action is different and it will do far less damage than a stronger snaffle.

I take it he must be a working livery and has to do some school time. I used to have my horse on that system - I hated it but couldn't afford full livery. Ask the YO if she is prepared to ensure that suitable riders get put on him.
Click to expand...

Ditto , anything with a straight mouth with a port , so the horse can move its tongue and swallow , the pressure is on the head rather than in its mouth. Need to be careful to find out how much pressure it needs to get the response you want .
 
blood_magik said:
stupid phone..
I wouldn't want to put my horse in a gag tbh..
when you say he's tanking off, is he setting his neck or just getting a bit excited?
Click to expand...

I think it might be a dutch gag that F has (google images!). She says he is too strong and bombs after the others. He's ok if in the lead, but won't be left behind. I haven't seen it myself, but this makes sense as he is still lacking in confidence and hates to be separated from his mates. But he is getting better!
 
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