Bitting Question

ashlyn

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27 August 2013
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I’m seeking some advice about bitting/tack. I play polocrosse, and am going to be using a friend’s gelding for a tournament next weekend since mine is out injured. I’ve ridden him some- he usually goes in a loose ring French-link snaffle in a bridle with no noseband or martingale. He is fantastic in this gear when schooling on his own, but tends to run right through the bit in a game situation when play gets fast (causing significant pain to my damaged rotator cuff). I know that “bitting up” is generally frowned upon, and I’m not trying to start an argument about need for schooling him on the snaffle- I completely agree, but this is a finished horse that is not mine, that I would like to be able to ride safely next weekend without risking more damage to my shoulder. Does anyone have any recommendations for tack adjustments that I could make (whether bit or otherwise)? I don’t want anything super harsh (he still has a mouth- he just gets “excited” and “distracted” when surrounded by lots of other galloping horses)- I just need something that I can use to give him a reminder to pay attention if needed, without having to haul on his mouth or anything unsavory. Any advice appreciated!
 
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