Ridden hunter class - snaffle bit?

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Gorgeous George

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I'm trying a ridden hunter class at a local unaff show on Mon (eek!) and I was wondering if I have to use a pelham/double bridle or if I can just ride him in his snaffle, or perhaps even dutch gag with double reins? Put the pelham in tonight and he didn't seem happy in it, and he seemed quite resentful when I started riding. Mind I didn't get a lot of time to try as he had a coughing fit, so I tucked him up in bed instead!! Just not sure of the correct etiquette for such classes.

Thanks
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For a local unaffilliated show I think you'll be fine in a snaffle - if you have a schedule just check to see if it says anything
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It would be more correct to use a pelham or double but since it's unaffiliated a snaffle should be fine - especially if he is happier in it & you don't have time to get him used to the pelham. Don't use the gag & double reins though.
 
never the dutch gag!!

You can get away with a snaffle at local level.

what pelham did you try? and are you used to riding in one?
 
never ridden in a pelham and i've never used double reins
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the pelham was a solid bar happy mouth that I borrowed, George normally has a french link bit but I can't afford to buy a bit just for one show
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Ride him in what you are used to, the snaffle will be fine.
It's a local level show, and it's all experience for you. Good for you.

First and foremost ENJOY YOURSELVES
"GOOD LUCK"
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go in your snaffle then

If you have never ridden in double reins before and he has never been in one then if you want to go further and ride in the pelham i would suggest that you get lessons on riding in a pelham/double on a horse that is used to going in one and you get someone who is used to riding in double reins and knows how to use them correctly to introduce your lad to the double/pelham. That way you get the best start for him when it comes to the pelham/double.
His reluctance could be a mix of signals from you down the reins and him not understanding what those very confusing signals mean.
 
[ QUOTE ]
never ridden in a pelham and i've never used double reins
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the pelham was a solid bar happy mouth that I borrowed, George normally has a french link bit but I can't afford to buy a bit just for one show
frown.gif
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[/ QUOTE ]

Go for the snaffle. When you can afford it try a french link version, he may not have liked the straight bar. We have one of the ones with the top rein attched to a seperate ring that looks like a double bridle, cant remember what it is called. I do the chain up fairly loosely so there is not too much prressure on the lip groove.
 
You will get more brownie points in a snaffle, you don't want to draw any attention to your horses tack what so ever and sticking a gag in will not go down very well, certainly if I was judging.

If you horse rides well in a snaffle then why change? the whole point of showing ridden hunters is the opportunity of 'showing off' how good your hunter is to ride and hunt etc that they are save and obedient.
 
Kenzo, no extra brownie points are awarded for snaffles, infact it is correct turnout to have them in a pelham or double. Even novice hunters are shown in double reins at county shows.
I would advise the OP that as it is a local show she can get away with a snaffle and as its thier first show i wouldnt change him for just one show. However if she ever went for affiliated showing then the horse should be in a double.
 
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