Saddles and Bits

[Evil_Cookie]

A bit of a mixed post...

I'm looking to buy a new thorowgood saddle, where's the best, most reliable, cheapest place online? And has anyone had any experience of buying saddles online?

Secondly bits... Have a tb mare who just takes a tiny bit longer to stop than I would like, I'm pretty sure it's more a schooling problem, being unbalanced etc.. etc.. but am unsure whether a bit with a small amount of poll pressure would help her gain balance, she has no problem stopping when she's balanced. She's in a loose ring french link at the moment, and has a tendancy to go above the bit and hollow when doing anything exiting, galloping, jumping etc... thats the only time it takes a while to stop, I know she'd stop if I put more pressure on the bit, she's not tanking of or anything, just not listening as much. But I'd rather not resort to stronger aids. Any suggestions? Planning on going xc schooling on sunday and don't want to find the brakes don't work

Any help appreciated, thanks guys

 

[lucemoose]

google cheap thorogoods? I saw a few on ebay the other day if thats your cup of tea but am more of a wintec person im afraid!there are lots of wintecs on equestrianclearance.com.. as for the bit, just wondering if its the same horse in your siggy that has the rope halter on?

 

[Evil_Cookie]

Yep thats her... Still use the halter from time to time, she goes well in it.
I'm just selling my wintecs at the moment

as the mare doesn't get on with them, but she loves her cob thorowgood and it doesn't even fit her, hence searching for a different thorowgood. Suppose it's just a individual thing really. My old cob loved the wintecs. I'll have a look on ebay when I get home, I'm very particular though about size and colour and knowing my luck the one I want won't be there, lol. Thanks for your help, any ideas about a bit? It's confusing me...

 

[lucemoose]

yea, thats why i asked about the halter! If its just schooling, could you not put the halter under your bridle and have it as back up? I use mine like that on my pingy pony every so often, or just use it this week? Sounds odd but its worked on a few. Other than that borrow a hanging cheek? The slight change of position seems to work on mine too!! As you can tell we also have bitting issues! What do you think she will try and do? umm flash?or lower the noseband slighlty if its a cavesson. If shes not in a martingale put a neck strap on, use it as a reminder if she doesnt listen to the reins, they dont like the restriction on their necks...kinda tug it..