bit advice!!

[Vanner]

I am looking for some advice on bits.

I have a heavyweight 15hh Gypsy Vanner Cob, he is a good boy with good brakes and manners and I did ride him in a french link snaffle. However, as he matured and muscled he started to "lean" on the bit. This was making my shoulders and arms ache and burn like mad, but worse, I have arthritis in my hands and it was killing them and I was having really bad "claw hand" when I got off! and it hurt like hell! A riding instructor that was giving me a few basic dressage/schooling lessons at the time, told me to try a Waterford Snaffle, and lent me one to try. It was amazing and I have not had any issues since.

However, I have read one or two things about Waterfords that are making me doubt the bit and there are occasions when his mouth appears to be slightly pink and a bit sore.

I am not an expert with bits at all, and have always ridden my horses in various versions of snaffle without any issues. I don't want to hurt my cob as he is really a true gentleman and I don't want to be confused by a complicated looking bit like a gag (I wouldn't know where to start fitting one anyway!), but I don't want to have pain either and I want to enjoy our rides without suffering or worrying that my boy is being hurt.

Any suggestions would be gratefully received!

 

[Dizzleton]

Neue Schule Verbindend loose ring snaffles are great for horses that lean. They are very mild and encourage self carriage

Check out the link and it should help

http://www.horsebitbank.com/verbindend-loose-70mm-ring-snaffle-43.phtml

 

[blackandwhite]

I have a cob just like yours, I had a consultation with the neue schule team and tried him in their waterford universal. He's so much better. The design of the ns waterford is different to the standard types with specific thought to eliminating rubbing.

 

[ShadowFlame]

If you're soft with your hands, you shouldn't have too much of a problem with a waterford.

My cob is similar in the leaning, I've been through allsorts (including a waterford). I've got him in a Neue Schule Bevel bit at the minute, best for him so far.

 

[Vanner]

Oh thanks so much, guys! I keep hearing good things about the Neue Schule, I think I am going to have to invest ..

B&W I shall have to look at the NS version of the Waterford, as my cob has gone so well in the standard one. Well worth looking.

Also nice to hear that it is not just me that is going/gone through the same thing.

Cheers all!!