Bits for youngsters.... when to move from nylon to metal

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eventer07

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Hi,
Please can you tell me when to move from a nylon bit to a metal one?
I am just about to back my 3yo. I have bitted him from a 2yo in a nylon bit. Do I do the backing in nylon and not start with metal until breaking?!?!
Any advice appreciated.
Thanks!!
 
Why would you change and how do you know they will need a change?? I always bit my youngsters from babies in a loose ring metal snaffle anyway......
 
I started with a nylon bit as its apparently nicer for them to get used to (no cold metal in winter etc!) ... the nylon wouldn't be suitable for schooling (breaking) or competition, so will need to be changed at some point... I was just unsure as to when.
 
eventer07 said:
I started with a nylon bit as its apparently nicer for them to get used to (no cold metal in winter etc!) ... the nylon wouldn't be suitable for schooling (breaking) or competition, so will need to be changed at some point... I was just unsure as to when.
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Why can't you school it a nylon bit? I have schooled in a vulcanite bit before, and a happy mouth style snaffle, not sure why you couldn't use a nylon bit to the same effect as a metal one personally.
 
team barney said:
Why can't you school it a nylon bit? I have schooled in a vulcanite bit before, and a happy mouth style snaffle, not sure why you couldn't use a nylon bit to the same effect as a metal one personally.
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I guess learning from this thread it might be a personal thing...?! But it has small rings and is quite ridgid (straight bar) so I wouldn't feel comfortable schooling in it and teaching my youngster in it... I think I wouldn't establish a great connection (contact wise) with him through it! :-)
 
eventer07 said:
I guess learning from this thread it might be a personal thing...?! But it has small rings and is quite ridgid (straight bar) so I wouldn't feel comfortable schooling in it and teaching my youngster in it... I think I wouldn't establish a great connection (contact wise) with him through it! :-)
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I'd suggest getting him used to the bit you favour, don't wait until backing, start introducing the new bit as soon as possible so he has time to become accustomed to it.
 
I think from your post you have your horse in a little in-hand bit. I would change it now so that he's used to being lunged and long reined etc in the bit you intend to ride him away in. All of mine are bitted with a breaking bit and this is continued until they are going nicely and the steering is under control before putting them into a loose ring or whatever. I would never break a horse in without using a bit with cheek pieces. Invaluable when you need a little help with steering. Also if they set against you, you cannot pull the bit through the mouth.
 
Aces_High said:
I think from your post you have your horse in a little in-hand bit. I would change it now so that he's used to being lunged and long reined etc in the bit you intend to ride him away in. All of mine are bitted with a breaking bit and this is continued until they are going nicely and the steering is under control before putting them into a loose ring or whatever. I would never break a horse in without using a bit with cheek pieces. Invaluable when you need a little help with steering. Also if they set against you, you cannot pull the bit through the mouth.
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completely agree! i always start my breakers with a metal breaking bit, once they have started mouthing to the bit and done a few lunges in it i change it to a cheek snaffle when i come onto long reinging and backing. The sooner you introduce the bit you intend to ride them away in after mouthing the better. Then once steering and control is established you can decide wether to change to a simple loose ring or eggbutt snaffle, but usually i just keep to the cheek snaffle!
 
I have just started my 3 year old. She has had a little nylon showing bit in since she was a yearling. I am now using a Neue Schule starter bit and she loves it, I really rate them, the salox gold is always really warm to the touch, unlike normal bits. They are expensive but worth every penny.
 
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