Sorry to be boring, but bit help please!

LollyDolly

LollyDolly

Well-Known Member
Joined
13 May 2012
Messages
809
Location
Cheshire
Visit site
Well Sandy is currently in a plain snaffle with a little lozenge, however I am thinking of getting him a new bit and seeing if it helps with his schooling.

What bit would you recommend to help a young and green(ish) horse? He is balanced in walk, trot and canter however when cantering in an arena he can be a bit unbalanced because he rushes into canter and likes to motorbike round.
Also I am getting him to work on a more consistent contact which is going alright in walk and trot, but needs a lot of work in canter.

So, any specific bit recommendations?

He can get a little strong and I really don't feel like his current bit holds him together very well, he will throw his head up and rush into canter and I don't want to fight with him :o

I'd like something which will help with schooling and hold him together a bit more, at the minute (especially when transitioning to canter) he can get quite heavy on the forehand so I'd like something that would encourage him to balance a bit more on his hocks without me having to really fight with him.

Do you get what I mean? I'm useless with bits, there are so many! :o
 
The problems you are describing are more balanced related - not bit related.

I'd suggest you stay as you are and continue your schooling. Young horses often find the canter transition difficult and throw their heads up - try asking for canter in a two point position. Keep off his back in canter while he adjusts his balance. You could also try him in a Market Harborough - this is the only time I will ever use assistance - it just helps to prevent the horse from throwing its head up.

Be aware that it is not the bit that keeps the horse in a frame but the balance between leg and hand, a horse moving with a soft back, hind quarters engaged will carry itself correctly.
 
Tnavas said:
The problems you are describing are more balanced related - not bit related.

I'd suggest you stay as you are and continue your schooling. Young horses often find the canter transition difficult and throw their heads up - try asking for canter in a two point position. Keep off his back in canter while he adjusts his balance. You could also try him in a Market Harborough - this is the only time I will ever use assistance - it just helps to prevent the horse from throwing its head up.

Be aware that it is not the bit that keeps the horse in a frame but the balance between leg and hand, a horse moving with a soft back, hind quarters engaged will carry itself correctly.
Click to expand...

Ah ok, I find that his canter is much better when we are outside of the arena. In fact, his transition is much better and he is a lot more balanced, however it's when we are in the arena that the problems arise. That's a good idea, I'll try that! Thanks! :D
 
LollyDolly said:
Ah ok, I find that his canter is much better when we are outside of the arena. In fact, his transition is much better and he is a lot more balanced, however it's when we are in the arena that the problems arise. That's a good idea, I'll try that! Thanks! :D
Click to expand...

Agree with above :) It sounds more balance related than bit related.

When you say outside the arena, do you mean when riding out?

Do you ask him to canter in the corners of the arena or on the long sides?

Where and when do you ask for canter when outside the arena? Is it on a circle or when riding in a straight line?

If he is slightly unbalanced in the corners of the arena, its going to make is transitions harder.
 
As with the others for me.

A bit will not change your canter. Only you can do that. To me, motorbiking is a lack of balance of the rider, not the horse.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top