bridoon/weymouth recommendations for fussy horses

[ickelshadow]

So I have just recently begun to compete my boy at Medium level, but my instructors are advising that I should be aiming to compete at advanced this time next year - chance will be a fine thing!!

It looks like I have to compete in a double bridle at advanced, so I thought I'd be proactive and look at some options now, as my boy can be fussy in the mouth and we might need some experimentation...

I currently ride him in a loose ring french link which he is very happy in - its about a narrow to medium thickness. I've tried ultra thick KK french link loose ring, sweet iron french link loose ring and single joint loose ring - HATED all of them with a passion so I'm happy to stick to what I have currently if I can get away with it being his bridoon. BUT am open to any suggestions if someone has had a similar experience and been converted to a certain set/feel/metal etc.

Things to know
* he has a history and is easily upset by changes in tack and day to day management
* he has a thin tougue and currently has a 5.25" bit (despite being 17.2hh!!)
* if I'm going to look at a 'set' I'd really like a french link bridoon, and I think a low port/mullen mouth in the weymouth would be a good idea
* he's pretty sensitive in the mouth so I would suspect that a short shank would be a good idea
* he has been schooled/trained and competed in a DB previously
* I have ridden in DB's yeeeeeears ago but I will need to get reaquainted with my old friend, the curb rein...
* I will get my instructor to check out the fit before I attempt to ride in it

So I'm after suggestions
* for horses that are super sensitive, would you suggest a leather curb chain over metal, or another type?
* would you suggest a sliding cheek weymouth, tom thumb or fixed cheek?
* would you suggest a thicker weymouth or a narrow type? he didn't like the thickness of the KK at all so i'm thinking that the less he has in his mouth the better
* will I need to find a bridoon that is a bit bigger to allow for both bits in the mouth? Hhilst his current bit isn't snug, I'm not sure that its roomy enough to allow for that extra 1/8 - 1/4" recommended
* short/medium/long shank?
* mullen mouth, low port, high port?

Whilst I appreciate and understand that a lot of this could be trial and error, I'd like to try with a best/educated guess based on his sensitivities

And FINALLY, any recommendations for 'nice' bridles? Preferably one with a padded head piece or something that offers a little padding/relief over the poll

Thanks!!

(And double thanks and congratulations for getting to the end of my essay cookies all round)

 

[Hexe]

Unfortunately I won't be able to help you with all of your questions, but maybe I can give you a few ideas.
The shank works in 2 ways... whereas a shorter shank does not have as much leverage, the impuls will get to the horse's mouth much more direct so even a little movement has an action. the longer shank acts more severe, but to reach that action, you would have to move your hands a lot more.
so unless your hands are absolutely still, i'd probably go for a medium shank especially since he is sensitive.
The same with the shanks... a fixed shank will sit stiller in the mouth and probably not unsettle him as much, but if he enjoys to play with his bit, try the sliding cheek.
I think Shires do a french link bradoon in case you need a longer one...
You probably need to try the ports due to the tongue pressure, but I would not choose a too high port...

If you want a proper Poll relief, try the ST Zaum (its BD legal)...

 

[Cortez]

As far as I'm aware, a double bridle is not compulsory at any level in BD now.

 

[ickelshadow]

Hi Cortez - I'm in Australia, so under the rules there, i can compete in a DB in Medium if i wish, and its compulsory for Advanced. I am orignially from the UK and always found this forum helpful - possibly much more so than the ones over here...!

Hi Hexe - thanks for your feedback. something i hadn't really thought about with rgards to the length of the shank... interesting! Lots to look at, and I really apprecaite your feedback!