idiots guide to bits :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bit_(horse)
http://www.sustainabledressage.net/tack/bridle.php

I had my boy in a full cheek copper roller snaffle at first but after a while we realised that it wasn't helping anymore as he'd gotten quite strong. My RI suggested trying him in a gag and he's like a different horse! I used to feel like I was constantly nagging him to slow down and having to be quite exaggerated in how I asked for things but with the gag the slightest pressure gets results and we are now both much happier for it :)
Hope the links help :)
 
sandi_84 said:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bit_(horse)
http://www.sustainabledressage.net/tack/bridle.php

I had my boy in a full cheek copper roller snaffle at first but after a while we realised that it wasn't helping anymore as he'd gotten quite strong. My RI suggested trying him in a gag and he's like a different horse! I used to feel like I was constantly nagging him to slow down and having to be quite exaggerated in how I asked for things but with the gag the slightest pressure gets results and we are now both much happier for it :)
Hope the links help :)
Click to expand...

Really sorry to hi-jack but are you using the Dutch gag and which ring do you use? Mine is in a full cheek copper roller also which he is occasionally strong in but always comes back when asked. His last owner said he used to go in a dutch gag when jumping and xc but recently I have been having a problem with him over bending and would have thought the additional poll pressure would add to this.... does it? Someone else has suggested using the cheltenham gag as she had the same over bending issue and this seemed to work.
 
What are anyones thoughts on bitless bridles? My daughters boy has a single jointed snaffle and was opening+shaking his mouth,he needs his teeth done aswell but flic rode him in just the reins and headcollar and he went very well :) need to get teeth done asap but also he has a smallish mouth too. Flic could stop him and steer him quite nicely in the headcollar :D
 
StoptheCavalry said:
Really sorry to hi-jack but are you using the Dutch gag and which ring do you use? Mine is in a full cheek copper roller also which he is occasionally strong in but always comes back when asked. His last owner said he used to go in a dutch gag when jumping and xc but recently I have been having a problem with him over bending and would have thought the additional poll pressure would add to this.... does it? Someone else has suggested using the cheltenham gag as she had the same over bending issue and this seemed to work.
Click to expand...

I might have got the name wrong :eek: It's a gag for sure but it's got a small ring on top (for the cheek piece to attach to), the big snaffle ring, and then another small ring on the bottom which is what his reins are attached to.
My lad doesn't have a problem with overbending quite the opposite in fact sometimes ;) He's just starting to go in outline but I'm not terribly bothered about it other than if he's going in outline I know he's working correctly over his back. I tend to try not to fiddle too much with his mouth though.
Someone more knowlegable than me might be able to answer this one better...

rainer,

Sorry I've no experience of bitless but I think there are a few members who do :)
 
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