Double bridle or not??

[soulfull]

ok so my mare is working nicely in a hanging cheek single jointed snaffle (although I don't like them) She likes less movement

For showing she is in a rugby pelham with a port, which she goes ok in


However I am wondering whether to change to a double as she is very sensitive and think she may prefer the more preciseness of the double?

Problem is I don't know anyone who has suitable bits for me to try. also never had to bit a double from scratch so honestly don't know where to start

Any ideas what she may like and how do you work out what to try first. It can be hard enough choosing one bit never mind the combination

 

[Wheels]

Why don't you stick with the hanging cheek as the bridoon and then try a Weymouth from a bit bank?

 

[mrogers]

although my bestie uses a hanging cheek and Weymouth in dressage, it will be farrrrr too much furniture for showing. If your mare likes a fixed bit, I would go for an eggbut snaffle and fixed Weymouth. Don't forget you can also try different curbs ie elastic/leather/chain if she is a little fussy in the double. I usually introduce a double out hacking first so they can get used to the feel without you asking too much then start working them in the school riding off the snaffle rein first.

 

[Tnavas]

To see how she behaves, use both your bits.

Your Pelham has the mouthpiece of a curb, but rein attachments for two reins. Ignore the top rein and fit a rein to just the bottom.

Get yourself a slip head, the piece that holds the snaffle(Bridoon) and fit both bits. Whole thing may be clumsy but will be a cheap way to see how your horse reacts.

I showed County level for many years with a Pelham.

 

[be positive]

I use a double in preference to a Pelham for most horses, they usually are more accepting than people think and go much better than in a Pelham, obviously there are exceptions but I try a double first if possible, as above get out hacking once you know you are safe, keep the bits simple and ride off the top rein so they gain confidence and don't get too fussy to start with.

 

[WelshD]

weymouths are so cheap on ebay and there are usually loads so its worth experimenting