Bit Advice

[Lotsoflemons]

Hi guys, I'm looking at putting my pony (14.2h) in a new bit he's always been in a snaffle since I've had him but now he's getting older he's alot more strong and fit, I've just had surgery on my wrists so him pulling is alot on me he is quite a quirky pony who likes to pull moves and put in some excited bucks so I need some more breaks We mainly Hack and do Fun rides, We have a Groom who rides him and she has suggested trying a wilkie bit as he is quite sensitive in his mouth but I'm just seeing if anyone has any other suggestions before I buy? Thank you!

 

[Breather]

Is he pulling more with the groom too?

How much time did you have off from riding for your wrist issues, surgery and recovery?

 

[Lotsoflemons]

Is he pulling more with the groom too?

How much time did you have off from riding for your wrist issues, surgery and recovery?

Yes he's actually alot more naughty with her then me My surgery was in Febuary and I had a shortening to the radius bone and a metal plate put in, I'm in my 3rd month recovery now and its healing okay that im now allowed in a removable brace, but its not fully healed and theres still a small break, so i know i need to take it easy, I'm only riding once/twice a week if that just short hacks and walks around the field, he's a dobbin on the road tracks but he can be very pully and silly in the fields so ive scrapped that idea after he pulled me and span quite hard the other day, I cant risk falling off , ive had wrist problems for over a year and been In 6 plaster casts so it's been so frustrating when I get so bored and want to ride!

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

You could try a waterford

 

[jules9203]

Find yourself a local bit fitter. They should have trained in how the horse should work properly and the anatomy, especially the mouth, and have a selection of bits you can try. Ideally they should be independent. So not trying to sell a certain brand of bit. It is well worth the money.
It's very easy to try bits because A - your friend had used one. B - its in fashion. C - you had one in the back of the tackroom. D - another horse went well in it.
I'm an independent Bit Fitter and have spent many hours studying the subject and a lot of money on training and my bit library.

 

[Lotsoflemons]

Find yourself a local bit fitter. They should have trained in how the horse should work properly and the anatomy, especially the mouth, and have a selection of bits you can try. Ideally they should be independent. So not trying to sell a certain brand of bit. It is well worth the money.
It's very easy to try bits because A - your friend had used one. B - its in fashion. C - you had one in the back of the tackroom. D - another horse went well in it.
I'm an independent Bit Fitter and have spent many hours studying the subject and a lot of money on training and my bit library

Thank you! I will look in to it

 

[Kaylum]

Make sure the bit fitter is properly trained. Talking to someone recently who had a fitter out, told her to get a bit with keys for starting a young pony. They showed me the bit. It's far too big in size and very heavy for a young pony's mouth. The rings on the side are also massive. I was very shocked to be honest.

 

[dottylottie]

give the bit bank a call, but after having the same problem myself lately and wanting to keep a snaffle but just one she’ll listen to more, i borrowed a jager julia from a friend (following the bit bank recs) and it’s brilliant! still a double jointed snaffle but the change is crazy!

my friend who uses it for her cob has tried a waterford and a tom thumb amongst others with no success, but he’s a different pony in this!