Opinions please?

Have a few goes with it like that before you go, double reins really arnt that bad once you get used to them. I went out for a hack and had a play when I started using them and by the time I got back I had forgotten I had them and now they feel just as normal as a single set.
 
Going against the grain a little here... I'd go with the snaffle initially as he now knows he only does 'exciting' things like galloping through fields and jumping in the other... sure he'd be super-cute going over any white planks but you don't want him to expect anything non-schooling-ish is going to happen iyswim!

(NB I first started thinking like this when a stallion owner explained that they always used different tack for the different kinds of 'work' he did and so he always knew when he should be doing dressage and when he should be doing mares! If that isn't too rude... *blush*)
 
Take the gag if only for a comfort blanket for yourself.

If when you unload him he is on tipy toes and seems a bit excited use the gag if not and he seems calm use the snaffle.

If you use the gag by default you will end up wondering if you should have used the snaffle but at the end of the day it is a local welcome to dressage comp so anything goes and it really wont matter except in your own mind.

and just remember you will be on Boglands Quaver so the judges will be so mesmerised by his presence that you could do a completely different test and they wont notice :D
 
Damnation said:
I'd ride him if I was there!!!!! :D
Uhm have you tried a hanging cheek? Poll pressure but still technically a snaffle?
Otherwise I would be inclined to bring all of the bits, warm him up in the snaffle and see how he is behaving? Then you can change the snaffle or keep it in depending on his mood? :)
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I agree with Damnation on both points. Firstly i would take and start him in the snaffle and see how he goes, then you move up a bit rather than down a bit which will have a more profound effect and i am sure you will be much happier if he does behave in the snaffle or you can at least tolerate how he is, rather than having to go for the stronger bits and feel disheartened.

Secondly i would recommend the hanging cheek whole heartedly. One of my first ponies was a bolshy chunky little NF and in the school could be ridden in a rubber snaffle. Take him SJ and he was a little more gung-ho and take him XC and you had no chance (think a tank on speed :p). We tried bits galore on him and although he was vaguely controllable in a dutch gag-i. e i'd be able to stop at the end!- i was recommended a hanging cheek due to the poll pressure but it still being a snaffle. A snaffle 'pah' i though having nothing else reined him in but it was amazing. He still went a little too fast and tried it on occasionally but for the first time i was able to ride a Xc course and actually feel in control! ;)
 
I really appreciate your commnents about the hanging cheek but honestly it made no difference at all. You couldn't hold him in it. The cheltenham is the only thing that has ever stopped him - the pelham he just laughed at.
 
I would warm up in the gag and make sure he knows it is on, then just before you go in, swap to the snaffle and pray he doesn't realise the change - a few people I know in showing warm up with the curb does very tight so brakes work very well then as they go in, some still ride like this on the go round then loose off the chain before the judge gets on.

Think you might like to come to East of England Sunday and have a go on Farra - generally speaking the word trot is enough to have her come out of canter, ditto trot to walk. She is very soft mouthed and 95% of the time very laid back and just goes as far as you ask for and no more.

I am now riding her in a double as she finds the pelham a bit too strong and I will start showing in it soon, maybe this weekend if I don't use the pelham as at the moment I am inclined to stick with what I know she goes in well for our first big show.

Good luck and I want to see pictures.
 
Cant you hobble Hovis for the dressage?????????????????? I never seen anything say it isnt dressage legal?

If Hovis decides to cart you to a different county please could you point him in the direction of Wiltshire, I'd love to meet him!

I'd go for the snaffle and just bore him into submission in the warm-up!
 
OMG I've got my times for sat. I feel sick.
I think this was a BAD idea!
Benson - he may have to do two diaries this week as on weds and thurs he's at the lincolnshire show so he'll have LOTS to report!
 
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