Dressage Bit mussing....

HufflyPuffly

HufflyPuffly

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Having an internal debate that I thought I'd throw out to you lot to ponder on too :P.

Skylla is making great progress, there has been talk of a medium debut for this year (I still think it's a bit of a leap, but she apparently is ALL about the lateral work lol). However I'm pondering our bit choice.

Currently she's in the Sprenger duo as she is super sensitive and likes to duck behind the contact (also a strength thing too), so after some playing with bits we settled on this one as a good one to teach her a forward contact. My issue now is that we have the initial ducking behind the contact whilst warming up, we have a discussion about listening, speed control and working from behind and then she becomes very heavy in my hand, which she then doesn't like and gets a bit snatchy when tired. Making her sound lovely aren't I lol!

Now she's improving loads and when not objecting she will follow the rein down (working on the out part), but I'm wondering if it's a bit of a blunt instrument now for her and whether I try her in something else? But what something else? The choice is mind boggling, I will try her in the ones I have to hand first (Myler comfort snaffle, NS turtletop, I have bog standard snaffles too), but does anyone have any suggestions?

Or should I stick with her current bit and work through this and once she's stronger it will resolve itself?

Mince pies, quality street and left over Christmas food to anyone who wants it :).
 
I think I'd go to a myler based on what you've said. I have been helping a friend with her horse that stared out in a nathe and progressed to a myler with a little port when the nathe became a bit blunt, the stability of the myler mimicked what he had appreciated about the nathe but with enough movement to have (a) more nuanced aids and (b) a little more control!
 
milliepops said:
I think I'd go to a myler based on what you've said. I have been helping a friend with her horse that stared out in a nathe and progressed to a myler with a little port when the nathe became a bit blunt, the stability of the myler mimicked what he had appreciated about the nathe but with enough movement to have (a) more nuanced aids and (b) a little more control!
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Agree. You could try both the MB04, probably on eggbutt cheeks and/or MB32. Each give a slightly different feel and it’s a bit trial and error.
Bombers also do a couple of useful options.

They are obviously metal and thinner than she is used to. If she is particularly sensitive it might be worth considering some sort of jointed happy mouth / rubber
 
Update, instructor disagrees sorry :P so she's staying in her plastic fantastic and I will just have to ride her better lol, least it's the less expensive choice for once!
 
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