Bit ideas for my son and new pony

S

Sauerkraut

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 July 2011
Messages
257
Location
Norway
Visit site
Hi,
My son has a new pony and I need to find the right bit.

She came in a eggbutt French link. Jumping her he could turn her too well and the brakes weren't the best either. I used a Dutch gag a few times on the bottom ring which I don't really like to be honest but the brakes were much better. The loose ring makes her mouth sore though.

I have now used a full cheek eggbutt French link and the steering is fine, no sore mouth but less brakes.

What's next? What would be a good idea? My son is 10 and pony is 14hh. I don't want to use anything like a kimblewick or Pelham as I don't think his hands are still/calm and soft enough just yet.

Thank you for your ideas.

P.S. I'm riding and schooling her to get softer in her mouth but meanwhile we need something for the two to go jumping with.

Tess
 
Would a jointed full cheek snaffle be better perhaps?? Still a more gentle bit but possibly more brakes.
Is your son having lessons with a good instructor? If not then that would be my first port of call...and if he is then maybe ask them to assess the situation:)
 
Yes to lessons, just not yet since we had the pony (summer break).

Cassy, that's exactly why I don't like the Dutch gag. Too much leverage but we were at a local show and I needed to change the bit for him to be able to stop the pony!

I thought about the hanging cheek but the steering might be less !?
 
You could use a Dutch gag on the first and second ring with roundings. Much less severe than on the bottom ring only. You need to go up an appropriate size when using loose ring bits and use bit guards, otherwise they'll pinch as you found out. Also using a single joint with a gag is going to be uncomfortable for the horse - you'd be better using a French link mouthpiece.

It's hard to say what might suit without knowing what action the pony does when strong - does the head go up or down or does she just lean?
 
We had the same problem when daughter was a similar age on same height pony - initially we used a Dutch gag type bit (actually was the one that only has one lower ring) but she couldn't steer well in it. Plus if daughter got left behind it was more harsh on the pony than a snaffle. We found a fairly thin hanging cheek snaffle (with flash noseband) gave more control than a normal snaffle, and better steering than a Dutch gag type bit.
 
I prefer French links to snaffles and the Dutch gag was one and had bit guards too. She has quite a pinkish muzzle so she might be just really sensitive. She came in an eggbutt so I guess loose rings are just a no go. She leans when she doesn't want to stop. She is also a bit like a boat but I'm working on this with schooling.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top