New bit - how long would you allow your horse to get used to it before sponsored ride

[eatonbraynat]

My cob goes very well in a snaffle almost all of the time, however i have put off for ages and ages admitting that he could actually do with something stronger when competing as he gets very excited and eventually pulls through the snaffle which i know is allowing him to realise he can disrespect the snaffle, which i should imagine isnt very helpful in the long run!

I talked to my instructor about how paranoid i was about changing his bit, admittedly it would only be used prob 2 or 3 times a month, as i didnt want to go up the strengths to find i couldnt come back to a snaffle.

After discussing what would suit him, we decided on a gag, as he likes the loose ring. I would of course be using two reins one on the snaffle ring and one on the second ring down. I detest seeing these bits used with one rein and also hate the roundings as i think youe lose the snaffle action completely. I want to be able to ask with the snaffle and then have some brakes left if thats gets ignored that is the only reason for the change of bit.

I have bought the bit today and was wondering how many times should he be ridden in it before doing a competition or something like a sponsored ride? I dont want to do it too soon and upset him.

Cookies for all who get this far!!

 

[zoelouisem]

I would try him out in it sooner rather than later, as if he isnt happy in it, it will give you a chance to trial other bits before any upcoming competetions ect.

To be honest it depends on the horse you might find you ride it in him once and hes settles thats all your need, you may need to ride him in it a few times or a week or so it will be a bit of trial and error really, and also try and get a lesson in it before a competion.

 

[coss]

That sounds like a great plan - especially as you're using two reins...
to be honest, i think most horses give a negative reaction pretty quick if its a "bad" bit... I recently changed from a copper eggbutt snaffle to a full cheek with copper roller - i lunged my horse in it once, he was fine... next day, i lunged him then got on (lunging wasn't to trial bit but for other reasons) - he just accepted it, no chucking of the head and was fine... i didn't ride again for a couple of days and then competed on him - still no issues. My reason for changing was different to yours but I just think if they are going to be unhappy with the bit it will show itself quickly and you can either work through it if they are just grumbling or change back- use something else if it doesn't work at all...

 

[eatonbraynat]

Thanks for the replies guys!! I am also very aware that my seat had better be pretty damn good as i dont want any interferance with him in a gag and my balance!!! So yes a lesson or two might be a good idea. I suppose at the end of the day i can always just drop my bottom rein if anything does go pear shaped. Ahhh the benefit of the double reins!!