Showing bits for riding horse classes?

[AnnaandStella]

Hi

I posted previously about showing my horsey for the first time - the show I want to take her to is in a month's time, and it's county level (Fife show) as there's a lorry going from the yard.

I'd like to show her in a double but she has a very sensitive mouth so I need some advice...

She works in a beautiful outline in a rubber loose ring snaffle in walk & canter but won't settle in trot - She's had a bit of gingivitis which has now been treated but this seems to be the reason why.

She's very sensitive & has a small mouth & is never strong.

I thought maybe something like this (Jeffries butterfly showing bit) would be suitable as not much leverage compared to a pelham & a straight bar?

Any suggestions?

Thanks so much!

 

[dianchi]

what about a rubber joint pelham with short shanks?

 

[AnnaandStella]

I always thought jointed pelhams were really strong?

 

[dianchi]

But you ride her in a joint snaffle???
As is ever the case its only how the bit is used for the strength.
If you have short shanks you have the smallest amount of leverage.
If her mouth is small and you dont have to have a double why bother?!

 

[AnnaandStella]

[ QUOTE ]
But you ride her in a joint snaffle???
As is ever the case its only how the bit is used for the strength.
If you have short shanks you have the smallest amount of leverage.
If her mouth is small and you dont have to have a double why bother?!

[/ QUOTE ]

I know you're right, the bit is only as strong as you make it...

I might leave her in a snaffle but I think a small amount of poll leverage would be very helpful as she will get above the bit if given half a chance in "exciting" circs esp if she has to wait around for hours on end...

 

[dianchi]

If its novice riding horse you have have a snaffle. If its open then you have to have a pelham/double.

 

[AnnaandStella]

It's open, but snaffles are permissable (!)

Hence the dilemma. Thanks for replying, Dianchi, you're really helpful! Sorry if I seemed ungrateful for the advice! I'll see what I can borrow & try but I'm really un-knowledgeable as to how bits work e.g. what type of pressures are most effective for a horse wit a v soft mouth...

 

[gummybear]

my horse had a soft mouth and couldnt cope with a double when I did riding horse classes, so I put him in a rubber pelham - it never stopped us doing well!

 

[conniegirl]

I personaly do not like a jointed pelham as the joint can make the pelham twist createing uneaven pressure.

My lad has quite a sensative mouth and we currently use a little slightly ported showing pelham. we used to use a mullen mouth rubber pelham but he started chucking his head in it so i changed.

If she is particularly sensative then i would take the curbchain off.

 

[harrihjc]

I've shown in a double, rugby pelham and normal snaffle and with each one was told I was wrong and to use one of the others, my horse holds himself better in the pelham or double, I just don't use the curb rein on either as he doesn't need it

 

[virtual]

Have you got some bits you can try? just because the curb rein is there, doesn't mean you have to exert any pressure on it at all, you can leave it fairly loose. An elastic or leather curb can also help.

 

[AnnaandStella]

[ QUOTE ]
Have you got some bits you can try? just because the curb rein is there, doesn't mean you have to exert any pressure on it at all, you can leave it fairly loose. An elastic or leather curb can also help.

[/ QUOTE ]

If I ask nicely, I'm sure some of the people on the yard will let me borrow theirs to try...
I'll really have to know what I want before I buy a new bit though as I am very strapped for cash just now!