Bitting up for hunting - double bridle?

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pennyturner

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Duke is a saint, and rides on a light contact in just a french link snaffle, even when we're charging about, or he's being held behind. However, just occasionally, if we really gallop, he will take a hold and I'll 'lose him' for a minute or so.

Thinking about hunting him, and wondering if a double bridle might be a better alternative to a stronger bit, as 99% of the time the snaffle is more than enough. That way I only need use the curb 'in extremis' to remind him of his manners.

What do you think? Does anyone else do this?
 
Sounds like a wonderful plan, until they start chucking their head about and you loose all your fingers in the tangles of reins ;)
Have you ridden in a double before, they are quite a challenge to master in the school let alone the hunting field.
Has Duke ever worn one before, even if you dont use the curb rein, some horses take umbridge at the amount of 'metalwork'.,..
 
I've ridden in a double a fair bit - it's something I inflict on all the ponies from time to time, just so they're comfortable with it. The extra reins don't bother me, and I'm OK separating the use of curb and snaffle in all bar an 'oh ****' rein shortening situation - if we jump something unexpected, there's a few seconds of sorting out afterwards! :P. Duke's been ridden in one, and is driven in a kimblewick, so knows and isn't worried by the feel of a curb.

We're also talking about Salisbury Plain, not Leicestershire.
 
Sounds good if you are used to riding in a double…..nothing worse than being tanked off out hunting, for you or any others that might get in the way!

Good luck and have fun!
 
I'd probably go for a Pelham or gag with two reins, just because I think a day's hunting is a long time to wear two bits and a single mouthpiece might be more comfortable.
If you just need a little extra and don't fancy two sets of reins after all, a Wilkie 'snaffle' might be useful, it's what I use for my boy who goes sweetly in a snaffle at all other times.
 
In a similar sort of vein I ride my very strong boy in a Waterford gag with two reins for exciting things (he's in a Waterford anyway as he likes the flexibility of it). I ride off the snaffle rein most of the time and only use the other (on the bottom ring) in an emergency. It really works for him as the short sharp shock is much better than constant pressure.
 
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