Double bridle advice

[BallyJ]

Right, so my mare has never had a double bridle in before and I want to start her in one is it better to go with the sliding or the fixed? Or should I go for a rugby Pelham which gives the look of a double? Any tips on starting her in her first double? I'm thinking the first couple of times just bridling her up so she can get the feel then just start holding the Bradoon bit then lightly taking contact of the Weymouth but an advice welcome!
Please only nice comments I currently go to an equine college studying equine teaching and management so I'm not some novice shoving it in to look pretty!

 

[*hic*]

If you can tell us for what reason you want to use a double then advice we can give would be more appropriate.

Showing, dressage or brakes?

 

[be positive]

Your regular instructor is best placed to answer and advise on the most suitable bit or bits, it will depend on many things and often you need to try them to find out which suits best, I have a selection and will usually start with whichever I feel will be right for that horse, being prepared to change if they are not happy until I find the correct combination, this can take time.

If the horse is ready to go into a pelham or double I will usually just get on and ride as normal on the top rein, with the bottom one loose while warming up, then pick up and ride or sometimes go out for a hack can get them thinking forward and taking a good feel.
If they are not ready to carry the double bits a pelham with the same mouthpiece as your snaffle ridden on just the top rein for some time may help but if the correct work is already done most are happy to move on and continue to go well.

 

[BallyJ]

Ooops! Sorry forgot to add that for showing and thank you was thinking that a lot of chopping and changing would be in order xx

 

[Cortez]

Most horses that are ready for a double bridle pass no remarks when ridden in it for the first time. I'd start with a short shanked fixed curb to start ('tho for showing a sliding Weymouth is more correct) and make sure the bits are fitted correctly in the mouth; the bradoon should be slightly higher than a normal snaffle, and make sure the curb chain is neither too tight or too loose (it should only come into play when the shanks of the curb are at 35 degrees). For showing the buckle of the sliphead for the bradoon should be on the right side of the horse's face.