Double Vs Snaffle for showing

[Paint it Lucky]

I only do local shows (have no transport), but most of the people that win do look fairly proffessional and smart with all the right tack, outfits etc and generally a double bridle (though not always).

Please tell me is it better to enter a horse in a snaffle, knowing it goes well in this bit rather than a double just to look good?

If your horse went really well in a snaffle but came second to someone whose horse also went really well but was in a double would this be fair?

Should I buy my horse a double for his summer shows or risk riding in a snaffle knowing I may not be placed?

PS: I accept showing is all about appearance, but I am a dressage person really and so don't understand/agree with showing principles!

 

[only_me]

you could try a rugby pehlem, which looks like a double bridle but is only one jointed bit. depends really whether you enter a novice or open class, as novice you have to wear a snaffle, whilst in open classes its more correct to use the double bridle/rugby pelhem.
depends really on which bit the horse goes better in, although appearance is everything in showing!

have fun!

 

[moodymare1987]

What classes would you be doing with your horse?

 

[dianchi]

All dependent on classes really!

 

[mollymurphy]

I've always thought this, and to be honest, i'd be annoyed if i was placed lower for having a snaffle. I think the less harsh the bit is, the more you should be praised for having your horse go well in it.

But in the end, i gave in and bought a rugby pelham. She absolutely hated it! She leant on it and just refused to accept it. So now she's back in the snaffle and it's just tough from now on!!

 

[harrihjc]

I had this dilemma with mine, he went nicely in a snaffle but I knew a double would be correct. I ended up just trying the double and he accepted it and goes even more nicely in the double. May be worth giving it a try, but use what your horse goes best in

 

[FMM]

Your horse should go the same in a snaffle as it does in a double. As it is a showing class, the look is all important, and if the judge feels that a horse looks better or it is more correct in a double, then that is her choice! Nearly all show classes (apart from family pony and novice classes and lead rein) will be more correct with a double bridle.

A rugby pelham is a harsher bit than a double which is perhaps why your horse didn't like it.