Frank432
New User
Does anyone use a Waterford for flatwork and low-level schooling, or have any opinions on why you would want or need to?
Bit opinions
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Equi
Well-Known Member
eta i had the wrong bit in my head hahahaa ignore.
Frank432
New User
That’s what I’m thinking. If it was used in the wrong hands as you said could it potentially cause problems with how the horse goes?
JulesRules
Well-Known Member
I use one for hacking/ pleasure rides as my mare can be strong and grab the bit especially if she gets excited jumping and then we have no brakes. For schooling however she is in a verbindend.
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
No, i'd agree with what you said tbh, it's not really an ideal bit for flatwork schooling.
Equi
Well-Known Member
Any bit can cause problems, as per my edit i was thinking of the wrong bit though. But i suppose most of my statement is true for all bits.
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
The thing about a Waterford is they are designed to make it unappealing for the horse to lean on. Now, I'm not saying you want a horse to lean on the bit when you are working on the flat, but the contact should be secure and inviting and a Waterford is neither.
I don't have an issue with them in principle, I used to use one to take my old horse xc. But its not really the ideal tool for developing a correct way of going on the flat.
I don't have an issue with them in principle, I used to use one to take my old horse xc. But its not really the ideal tool for developing a correct way of going on the flat.
Frank432
New User
To clarify, it’s not me riding in one but a horse that I sold some months ago that I’m now being told is dangerous and unrideable.
Equi
Well-Known Member
A bit can help many things but it can't help a bad partnership or a horse possibly in pain
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Cob Life
Well-Known Member
I have used one when I was working my way from a gag to a snaffle.
I’m not the biggest fan of it, he didn’t particularly like it, but it depends on why you’re using it. My friend swears by it for her strong ISH but she has very soft hands
I’m not the biggest fan of it, he didn’t particularly like it, but it depends on why you’re using it. My friend swears by it for her strong ISH but she has very soft hands
mini_b
Well-Known Member
I was constantly recommended a Waterford for my thuggish ISH who kept bogging off in open spaces. (We didn’t try it) A lot of our problems arose from what actually was a lack of schooling/fitness/consist work. I in no way profess to be a very skilled rider and we are far from a perfect pair but can now ride in a snaffle* most of the time and a Pelham for exciting stuff.
*disclaimer - being in a snaffle isn’t be all and end all; this was what we’ve ended up with after months and months out of control and fussing. If he went well in a gag or a Pelham all the time that’s what we’d use. I’d much rather a check on a stronger bit than hauling on a “kinder one”
I agree with MP in that a Waterford has its place but it doesn’t invite a contact. My horse can be very rude/strong but I honestly think he is the type that runs away from “stronger” metalwork in his gob rather than back off from it.
for integrity’s sake id be wanting to pay a visit and check out the horse/rider combo rather than saying stick a Waterford in. If it’s only been sold a few months ago it might still be struggling with the move amongst other things.
*disclaimer - being in a snaffle isn’t be all and end all; this was what we’ve ended up with after months and months out of control and fussing. If he went well in a gag or a Pelham all the time that’s what we’d use. I’d much rather a check on a stronger bit than hauling on a “kinder one”
I agree with MP in that a Waterford has its place but it doesn’t invite a contact. My horse can be very rude/strong but I honestly think he is the type that runs away from “stronger” metalwork in his gob rather than back off from it.
for integrity’s sake id be wanting to pay a visit and check out the horse/rider combo rather than saying stick a Waterford in. If it’s only been sold a few months ago it might still be struggling with the move amongst other things.
Frank432
New User
Thanks, it was sold five months ago and there’s so many things that could be going on, the bit is just one of them. I have not been allowed to visit and have unfortunately been taken to small claims over it. Trying to explain to a referee who knows nothing about horses that there could be any number of things causing a change in behaviour is tricky at best.