Hanging Cheek snaffles with a Drop noseband?

[WishfulThinker]

Would you say this was ok or not?? As this is what I currently have and so far 2 folk say it doesn't work/isn't right, but he is going fab and you just have to think of something and he does it. He really likes the hanging cheek, but has a cob tendency of crossing his jaw and not wanting to stop. He does a version of Spanish walk if you use a flash and will try and rub it off on whatever he is next to, but he really seems to like this drop noseband.

 

[sloulou]

I would say that if he is going well and you both happy - then no reason to change it?

I can't see the problem with that combination?

 

[WishfulThinker]

Well neither can I, but they said that it was pushing the bit too much - as in keeping a contact on his mouth. But its not as if you take the strap away its in the same place.

I just wanted to check as I was sure it was ok, as despite it being a hanging cheek, its not got big rings (in fact my loose ring snaffle has bigger rings! ) so they are not interfering, and if I move it in his mouth I would say it is better as rather than a pulling back action it has the downwards pressure on the poll first.

I wont be changing it as this is the first time in 3 years I can get halt to trot without head swinging (yes teeth have been checked so not that -just cob mentality)

 

[sloulou]

even if it changes the intended action of the bit slightly - i still don't think it matters, because if it works for you both, then surely that is the main thing - and he is obviously happy in it....

am prepared to be corrected - but my understanding of the way hanging cheek bits work is that they mean that the bit is stabilized and suspended in the horses mouth - meaning there isn't too much tongue pressure - so I really can't see how a drop noseband interferes with that action?? and like you say - it might increase the little bit of poll leverage you get...

 

[alicep]

i think as long as the bit and noseband are correctly fitted, the horse is happy, you are happy then why change. If it aint broke dont fix it! lol

 

[laura_1983]

i ride my pony in a full cheek snaffle and have no problems, like yours he hates the flash noseband so the full cheek and drop noseband are a great combination for him!

like said above, if it aint broke dont fix it, as long as you and your horse are happy and theres no major issues going on with his mouth then id stick with it!

 

[Scarlett]

My previous horse was in the same combination and it worked a treat on him, it was the only bit and noseband combo he was happy in.

My current lad is in a hanging cheek at the mo and has been crossing his jaw and tanking off with me so he's getting a drop on soon too!

 

[laura_1983]

sounds like a drop is your best bet!

i swear by them now since a friend introduced me to them, had seem them used here and there but they werent something id thought of using for tinker, works a treat tho and i advise people about them all the time now!

bring the drop noseband back into horsey fashion lol!!

 

[WishfulThinker]

I personally do not see why flashes are picked over them for looks - a drop is so much more appealing to the eye.

I think of snorting fierce horses when I see a flash - and just the reaction from my boy was enough for me to stop using one, you would have thought I had tied barbed wire round his gob.

 

[kerilli]

it's fine, ignore anyone who says it isn't. and if the horse is going happily in it, that's the most important opinion of all!

 

[sueandtoto]

Our pony is ridden in a hanging cheek snaffle and drop noseband and goes lovely in it , PC and RI have never said you shouldn't use that combination