Endurance Riding.....Bit Options!!

km-j

km-j

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I have an Irish Sports Horse that shows more TB then ID, she really good in traffic and all sorts but as soon as we hit grasslands or any place where we can canter or gallop she can certainly excel! She covers the ground really well brilliant paces, but my riding group are not the same as my performance horse so they slow me down, however I want to continue doing sports endurance and at the moment I am battling bits for my mare! She grew up in a fulmer French link and was fine but know I have taken her further I feel I have no control or breaks, the fulmer nor the hanging cheek work so I resorted to the Dutch gag on the second hole down, this certainly gives me control and breaks but I don’t want to continue to ride in this as I have heard they are quite harsh to the mouth etc but I need to ensure my own safety... anyone experienced this and can recommend a bit, what does the mylee confort do or the neue schule trans angle achieve? Or any recommendations please x
 
If the bit you are using works then for now I would stick with it and spend time training her so she does learn to settle, will wait and listen to you when asked, if you want to do competitive endurance having a well mannered ride that is not strong in the hand will be more pleasurable for you, for her and give you more chance of moving up the levels, if the horse is relaxed and working comfortably it will conserve energy and be more likely to remain sound.

A bit is only as harsh as the hands at the end of the reins and for many horses it is better to be in something they do respect so the rider does not end up fighting, it all comes back to schooling and educating them properly through each stage of the journey, something often overlooked when hacking.
 
Thank you and good advise, I am very light in the hands when schooling etc, and don’t always need the Dutch gag, but feel until she learns to respect the bit and me when we are out on endurance rides, I felt no other choice but we have improved greatly within the last 6 months and it is worse when I have one week off!!

What do you think of the Micklem Bridle or a Grackle?
 
I find they learn to settle when going further! How fast are you actually going? There are some horses which simply don't suit riding together, because one is either out of its comfort zone going to fast, or going too slowly to be in a happy rythm. I prefer the myler style bit, you will see a lot of very bitted up horses doing endurance, because they settle in what they are in. Avoiding the battle is what you are after.
 
I would imagine she would settle like you said. I would say the riding group is the problem and the breed of horses! Maybe slowing me down, I want to enjoy her and I don’t want a battle like you said, want to work with her and be a team
 
zaminda said:
I find they learn to settle when going further! How fast are you actually going? There are some horses which simply don't suit riding together, because one is either out of its comfort zone going to fast, or going too slowly to be in a happy rythm. I prefer the myler style bit, you will see a lot of very bitted up horses doing endurance, because they settle in what they are in. Avoiding the battle is what you are after.
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It’s either ride alone or try compromise
 
You don't necessarily ride alone, you just need to pick more suitable people to ride with! For example my new forest led an Arab at his first 66k, and we had to keep waiting for it because he wasn't that enthusiastic and my lad likes to get on with it. I often find once you up the distance they learn to settle anyway.
 
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