Cherry Roller bit action HELP!!

[happyhack]

Hi all

We have a new livery at the yard who I rode yesterday, she's a real angel. She is ridden in a Cherry Roller bit and I dont know much about it? Could someone help me out with an explanation of the action of it? She seemed quiet sharp when I rode her. As soon as you pick up a contact she shoots forward so I think she needs light and sympathetic hands.

Also she shies away from a contact on the outside rein when going round on the left rein. I've not yet met her owner but all I know is that she had someone else to compete her. She is 18yr old cob x.

Thanks in advance

 

[Paint it Lucky]

The cherry roller part is meant to help the horse soften in the mouth. What is the rest of the bit like as this will also affect the action it has?

 

[happyhack]

Oh yeah duh!! its a single jointed gag. the reins are on the ring under the snaffle

 

[Paint it Lucky]

In that case I'd think she is a bit strong yet also sensitive mouthed. Gags are generally used to control strong horses and have the action of raising the head (in theory), depending on how you use it. I would ride her with tact! The cherry rollers, although meant to help horse accept contact better also put pressure on the tongue which some horse may dislike. I agree about the light and sympathetic hands part, though i'm sure if you ride her like this she'll go well.

 

[happyhack]

Thanks very much. I think I'll prob be able to ride her more effectively now.