Using differnet bits regulally.

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littlen

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ETA: sorry about spelling, I find it impossible to type on an iphone lol!


Sort of a follow on from my last bit post which I have read but cant find to reply too :)

How many of you actually use different bits for different situations. For example do you use one bit for schooling and one for hacking.

Would it be a bad idea to school in say the pelham once a week and the rest of the time in a snaffle. And likewise I can hack nicely in the snaffle alone, in company I need abit more so would it be okay to use the pelham in that situation (providng he likes it!)

Has anyone else successfully swapped and changed bits on a regular basis and why do you do it?



I have decided to definatley give the pelham a go with 2 reins, there are a number of reasons for this... but I am not giving up on the schooling in the snaffle and am going to have more lessons on flatwork in the snaffle.
He has been checked over in every way and is fine, he just dosent seem 100% in his mouth as he finds it too hard to go into an outline (either that or hes taking the mick)
I have regular schooling sessions in which I can get him into an outline but out hacking and when he is excited I have no chance.
He does have very naturally high head carriage though.

I have been reccomended the pelham with 2 reins as it has a slight curb action but only when neccessary. I also want to show so need him in either a double or pelham so either way I must get him used to this type of bit.
 
I too am wondering if i can swap and change bits for different disciplines and if this will affect any future use of a snaffle. Will be watching this thread.
 
I have two bridle for one horse to save time with changing bits over. Most of the time I ride Charlie in a snaffle, he goes really well in it but occasionally I will ride him in a Tom Thumb, this is usually if I am going on a fun ride or a big group ride, sometimes if I am riding out with a complete novice I will also ride him in the stronger bit just to give me maximum control.
 
its the best way to go- no point going in all guns blazing with a stronger bit all the time if you only need it occasionally.

do what suits, swapping back to the snaffle will help to stop him leaning and learning to overbend/evade the action of the pelham, equally the pelham will encourage him to soften his jaw so he can begin to work on the bit.

win win IMO
 
All the time!!!

I usually school in a hanging cheek snaffle, but will sometimes school in a double bridle.

I hack & jump in a pelham with two reins - however this is too much for schooling & she will go behind the bridle, and become choppy.
 
i ride 100% time at home in a snaffle... but i compete showing in a show pelham (admittedly it has a leather curb on v loose so no real curb action) obv with two reins - unless its a riding club horse in which case i use the snaffle - i also have jumping lessons for WH in the pelham - but all other jumping lessons in the snaffle... (have i confused you yet lol!)

i find the snaffle work creates a good true outline and work - whereas the pelham - used for show does 'set' her so i would not want to be using it too often if that makes sense?!

since using it i have not noticed a difference in the use of the snaffle as i do all my schooling in it - using the pelham has not made her harder mouthed/lean etc etc
 
I rotate a few different bits - the majority of the time he wears his snaffle, for jumping (sj&xc) he wears a happy-mouth jointed gag with reins on middle ring and for showing and the very occasional dressage test (and schooling a few days before) he wears a double bridle. Every so often I put him in a Waterford for hacking and schooling as he can try to hold onto/hang on the bit - possibly for a few days every couple of months. I find this stops any habits developing. I'm sure people will think I'm mad/wrong for doing this, but I find it helpful! I have found that what suits him has changed with time as he has grown & developed.
 
posie_honey said:
since using it i have not noticed a difference in the use of the snaffle as i do all my schooling in it - using the pelham has not made her harder mouthed/lean etc etc
Click to expand...

That is what i would worry about him becoming hard mouthed to the pelham or stronger than a snafflr bit??? Do they not then know that the snaffle is weaker and not respect it as much???
 
I use a pelham and a snaffle - pelham for hacking/jumping, snaffle for flatwork.

The thing is, your horse SHOULDN'T (in my mind) become hard mouthed because you are infact using the stronger bit so as to maintain a lighter contact, rather than hauling on a snaffle. If you use the snaffle in situations where your horse becomes strong, your horse becomes hard mouthed as there is constant strong pressure on the horses mouth, which it learns to resist. The horse isn't resisting the light pressure from a stronger bit often enough to cause it's mouth to become hard - if it is, a stronger bit probably isn't the answer!

That's how it goes in my head anyway? xD
 
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