Bit post on behalf of friend...please read...

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Sarah1

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Hi all

This is a post on behalf of a friend (she can't get on internet at mo).

Her mare, who she has had for approx 2 years has been ridden in a full cheek french link snaffle but my friend is finding she's leaning on the bit a little. But she doesn't want to swap it to something severe.

Friend asked me about KK Ultra which I think is a fantastic bit but if she's leaning on a french link I don't think the kk will particularly help that much?

When my friend got her mare she was ridden in a snaffle with a twisted mouthpiece which is obv quite harsh and she doesn't want to go back to that tho I suggested she try it for a couple of sessions then go back to usual one & see if it's made a difference.

Please can anyone advise what might be for the best.

My friend has said the french link was fine when her mare was more resistant to accept the bit but she's more sensitive now & she'd like something kinder?

Any ideas?

Thanks
 
Really? My Nieces pony is really strong & heavy in his KK? I wasn't sure it would help with leaning to be honest...
 
I suggest a single jointed bit too, wasn't sure about the hanging cheek tho as thought poll pressure opposite of what she's after really? Will suggest she tries one tho, thanks
 
Its just that a pony can grab hold and lean on a solid eggbut whether it has a joint or not...a loose ring has less constant contact. Some ponies don't like it for that reason but its worth a try. We tend to start youngsters in a loose ring to encourage mouthing and a lighter contact. A french link offers a plate to lean on, a single joint puts pressure on the roof of the mouth and encourages the head to lift, helps to stop a pony bearing down but some don't like the jab in the roof of the mouth...the ultimate combination might be a single joint loose ring! If your friend has light hands then perhaps a waterford but I wouldn't go down that route until the other options have been tried and its not dressage legal. Good luck to your friend.
 
I think my friend is also concerned about the link creating too much pressure on the tongue and stopping her horse from swallowing? but I'll certainly mention your suggestion, thanks!
 
I jhave an 11.2 Darty who is terible for getting hold of the bitting and just pulling if it is a fixed ring bit. I would not go past a loose ring snaffle as he can't take hold and he is much happier himself.
 
Has she tried riding differently to stop the mare leaning - don't mean that horribly btw, but a small tweak in her technique might mean she doesn't need to change the bit to anything more severe, and then change it again when she starts leaning on that one...etc etc.

She could try a quick raising of her hands at the same time as a forward leg aid every time the mare starts to become heavy (VERY important that it's hands UP and not BACK though as that will encourage a tug of war)
 
I believe that she has done the upward hand movement but not sure if it's accompanied with a forward leg aid - we're not on the same yard so I don't see her ride.
I also suggested giving & retaking the reins to take away her hands so the mare can't use them as a prop.
 
Twisted snaffles are brilliant for horses that lean and are not necessarily any more harsh than a normal snaffle. The one that the mare I ride has is not sharp in the twist but it prevents her fixing on it as it sort of twists away from her.

Pictures in old books make them look horrendous and I was horrified when my instructor suggested one but I have now seen that they aren't nasty and have worked wonders with a number of horses. A much underrated bit if you ask me.
 
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