bits and nosebands in showing

[CaitlinAndCelt]

so i am planning to go to my first ever ridden show this weekend and need some tips. i have a 4yr old sec d gelding that is in a loose ring waterford, not for any particular reason we have just found that so far this bit works best for him. my problem is, i want to do the novice m&m class. can i do my show in the waterford? if not does anyone have any similar appropriate bits. like i say he isnt necessarily strong he just likes his waterford. he does not like loose ring snaffles or single joint wilkis so those are a no go. also we are thinking of getting a flash for him as he delibrately faffs with his but in order to put it under his tongue and evade contact. and tips welcome

 

[Maddie Moo]

also we are thinking of getting a flash for him as he delibrately faffs with his but in order to put it under his tongue and evade contact

Horses don’t have the capacity to do anything deliberately to annoy their rider etc, it’s their way of communicating and to me it sounds like he’s not 100% happy in the bit and using a flash to help to hold his mouth shut isn‘t the way forward.

I would suggest you get a bit fitter out to assess his mouth conformation and see what they can suggest.

 

[rara007]

Any mouthpiece goes but no flashes

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

The Waterford will be OK but no flash nosebands and I really hate them if your horse is struggling with bits please don't clamp the mouth shut with a nose band, maybe try lowering the bit sometimes it can help.

When my Arab was young he was similar and what worked for me was a magic snaffle it was the only thing my horse would accept any kind of contact in, its just a straight bar ported bit with snaffle rings, as he got older I dud eventually show him in a myler Pelham but his always preferred a fixed ring or hanging cheek bit rather than a loose ring.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I ride him in this kind if bit now for everyday