bit for showing

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harrihjc

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I currently ride my horse in a loose ring french link snaffle, but I did read that for showing classes it's preferable to use a double bridle or pelham with double reins, is this correct?

We are hoping to do coloured classes, riding horse and maybe working hunter, at local level, but I still think its best to do things properly.
 
You can use a snaffle for novices but it is more correct to use a double or something like a rugby pelham for all other classes.
 
I'm not sure if he would cope with a double bridle, he doesn't really like having a bit in at all to be honest and plays with it a lot, I'm hoping its just a baby thing. He is a novice, he is nearly 5.
 
Thanks for advice, I think I will stick with the snaffle and see how things go. We're trying very hard to get him working from behind and in an outline, admittedly not with much success, but I don't want anything that might stop him from moving forward any more than his own laziness does hehe! I'm quite relieved we can just keep plodding along as we are for now, I'm not keen on putting a 'stronger' bit in a horse with a soft mouth and no need for any more brakes
 
As he is only 5 he is still classed as a novice, and the judge will usually ask for their age so it won't count against you at all. Good luck!!
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I think you should keep him in a snaffle for now too but if you would like/need to use double reins then Fylde Saddlery do french link loose-ring pelhams...

When my mare (section c) was 4 I did all classes in a snaffle even open classes at county level and it never worked against us - one judge even commented how brave I was and praised me for not over-bitting her too soon
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I agree that for local level a snaffle will be OK. But yes it is technically correct to use a double. If that can't be done then a rugby pelham (which looks like a double when on).
 
It is important to note that mine is an m&m so you should check the rules for other types/classes if you would like to do some affiliated showing, I'm pretty sure a snaffle will always be acceptable for a novice though.
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A snaffle is definitely acceptable for a novice m&m, I used to do workers in a snaffle with my connie as well.
 
A snaffle is fine for showing novices (sometimes you can't ride in anything but a snaffle) and doubles are correct for open classes.

At local level, I find that anything goes a lot of the time!!

Good luck!!
 
Thanks for all your advice, I don't think we'll ever make affiliated showing, but to be honest I know nothing about showing so I could be wrong
 
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