split reins or double?

[connemaras]

just wondering im goin to try take my NF to a sponsored ride in oct, lst time i did this i could not hold her and all she wanted to do was go, it was gettin to the point of felling unsafe, shes in a dutch gag at the moment but onliy on the snaffle ring as its too strong on bottom ring, i have asked to change the bit, have been suggested a hanging cheek, but i think she will still ignor the bit, so i ws thinking of using split reins or double reins, on snaffle ring and 2nd ring, what would any of you suggest?? any help please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[AmyMay]

Use two reins - one on the snaffle, and one on the bottom.

That way when she starts getting too strong you can take a pull on the bottom ring.

Effectively you are riding your horse in snaffle at the moment - as you are unwilling to use the bottom ring - so you should find a difference.

Make sure you ride in double reins in advance of the sponsored ride though to make sure you are both happy.

 

[connemaras]

ok, last time we did this sponsored ride i tryed takin a small bit of contact on the bottom ring but she refused it and she tucked her head in soo far, she did not walk forward until i droped all contact! i was thinking of another bit but i am unsure as to what bit to try as i dont want to spend loads of money on bits that will not work,

 

[AmyMay]

[ QUOTE ]
she tucked her head in soo far

[/ QUOTE ]
That is the action of this particular bit - so maybe not the one for her.

Have you tried a pelham or kimblewick which do not act on the poll?

 

[connemaras]

i am looking at a kimblewick bit, i think a pelham may be a but too harsh, but i can try as i have plenty of pelhams laying around,

 

[AmyMay]

It's not really a question of a bit that is harsh - a Kimblewick and Pelham just have slightly different actions.

AmyMay always went very well in a Kimblewick out hunting - it has a ported mouthpiece which she really liked.

You've just got to see what works best for you and nag.

 

[connemaras]

ok thanx i wil try both and she how she acts, do any different mouthpieces work better than others?? cn u get happy mouth kimblewicks?? i have never seen any??

 

[AmyMay]

[ QUOTE ]
cn u get happy mouth kimblewicks?? i have never seen any

[/ QUOTE ]
No, not that I'm aware of.

 

[connemaras]

ok, do you know of a bit bank online? i am unaware of any cheap places! looked on ebay and keeping a watch to one, but i think the bids will go high, would you suggest stickin to the french link, or try another one??

 

[connemaras]

ive found a happy mouth one!! yay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BRAND-NEW-HAPPY-MO...1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[connemaras]

i have not yet fitted two reins, if you re-read my post i think you will find that i am asking for help as her mouth cannot take the pressure from the gag, i was just asking as a question would it be better to have two reins or split reins or cahnge the bit,
but i dont think tht i will be stying with the gag as they are not my fav choice of bits.
thank you for telling me tho