Dexter snaffle racing bit.

[k9h]

I would imagine that someone on here has used one of these. How do they work & did you find much difference in using one??
I rode my lad in one yesterday to try & get abit more sterring & breaks but didn't seem to make much difference. Had him in (horrible) dutch gag, Wilkie snaffle flashes & grackles!
Was just wondering how the Dexter worked. Many thanks if you can help.

 

[TGM]

Dexter snaffles (shown below) are often used for racehorses. The idea being that when led up in the paddock before the race the lead rein is attached to the chifney part to give the leader added control. Once the lead rein is removed I would have thought it would just act as a normal snaffle with cheeks, which would explain why it didn't have much effect on your boy.

 

[k9h]

Thanks for that TGM. I couldn't understand by looking at it how is anymore responsive. Though I do know that it is used for strong racehorses. It had been recommened by quite alot of knowledge able people that are training race horses.
At home he is fine a 5 year old good ride him apart from the broncing but hes not strong. Its just when hunting he just ploughs through his bit & I have no steering or breaks he's just so keen but it's not ideal. I am use to him know so not so bothered by him but I just hate having to haul on him not to mention it looks bad. But they would understand if they got on him he's a proper tank & I wouldn't swop him!

 

[Laafet]

We used these on a lot of the racehorses in Oz as they were v. strong due to training methods and have ridden the odd v. strong horse here with one. They are good for brakes etc. and steering is miles better than a dutch gag which is too flexible for my liking.

 

[vicijp]

To tell you the truth, I have never witnessed a horse led up by a dexter.
They were invented for horses that hang violently on the track, but are generally used on very strong pullers.
I find they lift the head up slightly on a horse that takes a real lean against you. Strength wise, they are useless.

 

[faerie666]

[ QUOTE ]
The idea being that when led up in the paddock before the race the lead rein is attached to the chifney part to give the leader added control.

I have to say i've never heard of anyone attaching a lead rein to a dexter bit in the parade ring, and i've been working in racing yards for 8 years and have used this bit lots of times.
It's good for horses that pull hard or hang to one side as it stops them from getting the tounge over the bit (that's what i got told by far more experienced people than me). However, as with all bits, they don't always work the way they're supposed to with every horse. Some horses end up fighting them, or just don't listen, you'll just have to keep trying things until you find one that works.

 

[TGM]

Well I've definitely seen it used that way at point-to-points

. Sounds a valid point about it preventing tongue over the bit though.

 

[vicijp]

Are you sure they werent just chifneys TGM?
I dont think they are desingned to stop the tongue getting over the bit(I have known them encourage it in some cases), I have one with a tongue piece added.

 

[TGM]

Definitely not a chifney - actually saw the horse being bridled and it was definitely a Dexter.

 

[k9h]

Could you explain how the bit works. How does the ring come into action when you pull on the reins?? Many thanks if you can tell me. Though the bit didn't seem to make any difference he still went down through my hands & leaned very hard so just waited till he got to front & then slowed down!!

 

[mandyl]

hi i ride my boy in a dexter he is an ex racehorse. he is very strong i tried riding in just a snaffle but needed a bit more control and it seems to be doing a great job .but then i used to ride him everyday when he was a racehorse in it.