Help fitting a waterford (also in Stable Yard)

[Foxy girl]

I've decided to give a waterford a try with my heavy on the forehand, take the bit and go, cob. My local tack shop had the right size 3 ring waterford on sale so I bought it but am now just looking for clarification on how to fit it with a single bridle. Do I need to fit roundings, or can I just attach the reins to the middle ring and see how I get on? I can't seem to find a photo anywhere of a 3 ring one using roundings.
Any help/guidance gratefully received!!
p.s. I know I need to be light on the hand with a waterford and will only be using it for more exciting activities! x

 

[Izzwizz]

I use a loose ring waterford as my horse used to grab the bit in his teeth (a habit he had before I had him). If I were you I would just attach your reins to the snaffle part of the bit and see how you get on and see whether your horse is ok with it. Any special reason why you got the the 3 ring waterford? I find my horse can't take a hold of it due to its make up and he actually goes really well in it. We hack out and school in it, just a shame its not dressage legal.

You need to be light with your hands with this bit just as much as any other bit. I would let your horse get used to it by simple hacking out first to see if it suits. At least your horse can get used to it in less exciting circumstances.

 

[Foxy girl]

Thanks Izzwhizz - that's what I thought, I'd try it on the snaffle while we're hacking and just see how he goes in it. I didn't deliberately choose a 3 ring, only that it was on offer, but I did think it would give me a stronger option if I needed it in the future, and if not, then there was nothing lost really. He's in a 3 ring continental French link snaffle now, but I only use that bit on the snaffle setting.

Just want to get out there and try it now but snow/ice has stopped play!

 

[Izzwizz]

Its snowed here too. Hope you dont have to wait too long to road test your bit. Have to say I love these bits, my horse loves his. My Trainer recommended it and he wasnt wrong. You will probably find you wont need to have it on any other setting than the snaffle one.

Good luck with it x

 

[ex racer rider]

BfYour using a 3 ring gag with 1 set of reins!!!!!!! You have just committed a HHO CARDINAL SIN!! Do you not realise its evil to use one rein?
but to answer your question serriously, 2 sets of reins are better, one on the main ring and the seccond on the 2nd or 3rd ring and then use one rein for contact and the other for more controll/ during those tricky moments. I found that if you use one rein your horse can come behind the bit and evade.
Leah.x