Bit & Bridle for a baby?

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fine_and_dandy

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Baby horse of course! :D

The Gay One (Bailey) has been doing bits and pieces recently like the basics of lunging etc and up until now I have popped his in hand bridle on him (not lunging off of the bit yet though before any one says anything)

As we will soon be approaching the time of uncle fred and mum riding on top (so to speak...and definitely NOT at the same time!!!) I am on the search for a proper "big boy" bridle and bit for him (Bailey not Fred).

A friend advised getting a bog standard cheapish bridle which won't be a problem if it gets trashed, instead of getting the one I have had my eye on for months for when he is properly working, which seems like a sensible idea. Having perused the various websites and catalogues, I can't seem to decipher what make and/or price range constitutes a decent bridle but not at a sky high price.

I am also anxious to get him the right bit for him to begin work with. He hasn't been "mouthed" yet thus far; he is used to his in hand bit which is very soft. What is the best equivalent to start off with when beginning his long reining etc? Fred has said he will use *i think* (as I can't remember properly atm) a full cheek snaffle eventually, when Bailey begins ridden work.

Hope all that makes sense...I think I'm waffling again! :D
 
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Dearest Waffling ;)

I would go with a cheapo bridle from somewhere like Decathlon. You can pick them up for about £10. I wouldn't use the noseband to start off with :). Such a bridle with probably snap if ned gets it caught on anything, which is safer than the nice English leather ones that probably won't, or not at least until there is greater force on it. Just make sure you oil it well so it is soft and supple :)

As to bits, best be would be to call a bit bank and get their advice :). There are so many options on the market now! Different shapes, metals, etc. We used to use a key breaking bit (think that was the right name); it encouraged the horse to play with it and soften and salivate.
 
Agree completely with MrsM get a cheepo one (even a second hand one of ebay for now)

As for bits, I'm a great believer in a good old happy mouth snaffle. They prefer these in sweet iron, its nicer tasting and produces lots of salivation.

Good luck with him!

Lou x
 
Although I now use a jointed fulmer snaffle with keys, years ago when I was a whipper snapper some old wise guy told me about wrapping a bit with bandage then soaking it in oil/fat, which I tried on a pony I was breaking in. Don't think I have ever had one subsequently that had such a lovely light sensitive mouth............ wonders why I don't try this again???????
 
I used a happy mouth french link (the nice tasting plastic ones), which worked well except Liesel ate about one a week. So we moved to sweet iron french link, shes 7 now and still in that bit, and happy. Not expensive either, tho you have to look around a bit to find the french link version in sweet iron, but less than £20.
 
Agree with the Happy Mouth bit, and I bought a cheap webbing bridle, and a leather one, off ebay. Both about £2, and did the job. Tho the leather got snapped somehow, so the webbing one came into it's own ;)
 
Many thanks for the replies :)

Hadn't thought of the sweet iron ones so will look into those.

He is such a good boy and takes everything in his stride; can't quite believe after nearly 3 years of ownership we nearly at the phase of riding! Time has flown.

When I do start his work "proper" i.e. long reining etc before Fred gets his hands on him, is anyone interested in seeing his progress via little updates and pics every now and then? That way if anyone can think of anything we should be doing comments can be made and taken on board :D

If no one would be interested just say I will shut up :D
 
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