Bits for Dressage

[sleepykitten]

Hey guys,

I'm bringing my mare back into work after an injury, and debating attempting some intro dressage with her (after taking advice from Veterinary of course). She has been well schooled in the past, but she can be very strong and has a tendency to point her nose and stick her tongue out.
I ride her currently in a Waterford Dutch Gag on the big ring, and a grackle nose-band + running martingale when hacking.

I'm aware I would probably get shot for that in a dressage arena!

Any thoughts on dressage legal combinations/bits that might do the trick?

 

[eggs]

Certainly what you are currently hacking in is wrong on every account. Martingale not allowed, Dutch gag not allowed, grackle only allowed in BE dressage tests. Get a copy of the BD rule book for a comprehensive list of dressage legal tack.

 

[abi31]

It really depends what level you are going in at. From Elementary and above you can ride in a double bridle. If you are going to be competing at Intro, Prelim or Novice you will have to ditch the martingale and ride in a snaffle. I ride my ISH in a fulmer which works well for him, but he is not particularly strong. You could try a hanging cheek as it will give you a small amount of poll pressure.xx

 

[Lynnskatz]

is a wilkie snaffle allowed? x

 

[PucciNPoni]

is a wilkie snaffle allowed? x

Nope. A shame too, cos my mare used to go fab in it.