Should I school in a different bit than I have to use in dressage?

[Lollii]

I have trouble with my horse being heavy in my hand & lacking concentration, he likes to look at everything around him at a show.

I am schooling in a hanging cheek snaffle at the moment because that is what I use in our dressage tests but I have also tried almost every other dressage legal bit on the market!

Would it help if I school him in a stronger/different bit, I have read on here about pee wee bits, waterfords etc but I would not be able to use one of these in my tests but should I try them just to school him, would it help?

 

[I love my Spanish horse]

I usually school Gem, and compete in a NS hanging cheek snaffle, and although she usually goes well at shows, she can get really set and heavy when schooling at home.
My trainer got me riding her in a double bridle, which obviously isnt suited for every horse and rider, and im far far from accomplished at dressage or anything else for that matter

. However, with my instructors help, she has gone really nicely in it, and just riding in it occasionally managed to lighten her up in front and enabled her to start really working and engaging her backend, as she wasnt so set against me al the time. Unfortunalty now shes just come off a months box rest so its back to square one again, but if worked for her it may well for you too

.

 

[Janette]

If you look at the Myler sites, they recommend schooling in the appropriate bit at home, and then swapping to a dressage legal bit if necessary for a competition.

 

[Lollii]

Thanks for the repy, I think I will have a chat to my instructor, although I have cut back on my lessons due to the credit crunch!

I would like to give a double bridle a go but only with her help, I am convinced he will go much better in one, I will phone her today - thanks!