Dizzy socks
Well-Known Member
Starting to break my Shettie to drive, do you need a driving bit? Currently longreining in hanging cheek snaffle, which she is very good in. What is the reason for using a different bit for driving?
Do you need a driving bit?
- Thread starter Dizzy socks
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here_i_am
Well-Known Member
I've never understood it tbh. We drove our mare in the same bit she was ridden in (spreger kk). Then we went bitless as she preferred it, so she's now ridden & driven in a Dr Cook. Imo, if they're happy & responsive in it, then why change? Im sure some would say that driving bits offer more control, but with my girl, the stronger/harsher the bit, the more she fights it.
HumBugsey
Well-Known Member
Nope.
Not for a single anyway. The point of a driving bit is that it's adjustable to multiple horses. A standard 2 slot liverpool has 8 settings for example. I love driving bits for this as once a horse is comfortable in their bit they stay in it, if they get a bit fresh, drop 'em a bar to get them respecting the bit again then go back to "normal" setting, no hauling or faffing needed! A lot of drivers like the curb too as a bit of an "emergency brake"
When you get into multiples you might want a driving bit for the bottom bar which stops things getting tangled.
Not for a single anyway. The point of a driving bit is that it's adjustable to multiple horses. A standard 2 slot liverpool has 8 settings for example. I love driving bits for this as once a horse is comfortable in their bit they stay in it, if they get a bit fresh, drop 'em a bar to get them respecting the bit again then go back to "normal" setting, no hauling or faffing needed! A lot of drivers like the curb too as a bit of an "emergency brake"
When you get into multiples you might want a driving bit for the bottom bar which stops things getting tangled.
rara007
Well-Known Member
Nope, though you have to be very confident the pony isn't going to get strong which is hard to judge whilst breaking in. You can't deal with ponies being a bit unresponsive and trying to run off in a carriage very safely without the option of moving the reins down the bit as a handbrake.
moana
Well-Known Member
Absolutely not. Use whatever bit your pony responds and goes well in.
Wiz201
Well-Known Member
I asked my RDA carriage instructor this and she said it gives more control as you are sitting further away from the pony. Having said that, the cob x dales I drive just has the reins on the snaffle part anyway so I'm not quite sure how much more sensitive it is than a normal snaffle. I think he has a liverpool driving bit but I drive him on the snaffle ring, not the lower ones.
moana
Well-Known Member
I actually drive some of mine bitless. The BDS follow and refuse to allow any newer thnking when it comes to drivng. Understandable to some extent, but most other equine disciplines consider and use more modern methology.
Dizzy socks
Well-Known Member
Thanks, that's what I was hoping to hear!