waterford bit

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SouthWestWhippet

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I'm going to give this a try with my horse who is very resistent and tense in her mouth and tends to grab the bit on the left side and set herself against it. She is fussy in her mouth anyway and won't tolerate french link or single jointed snaffles. She currently in a hanging cheek barrel mouth snaffle but she is very strong so I thought I would try the waterford as I've heard it is good for horses that catch hold of the bit and pull. Oh teeth are done regularly (every year) and were last done in April, back was done at same time and saddle fit rechecked in March.

Anyway, I want to buy one on ebay cos I want a bargain (!). In terms of fitting for a waterford - I have a vague recollection of reading somewhere that you need to buy it a size bigger than you would usually use? or have I made this up?

thanks
J
 
My horse does what yours does and I tried a waterford - yes, one size bigger. Alas it didn't make a huge pile of difference and she was still incredibly strong.

My best results have been from re-schooling and getting better balance to stop the leaning. She's in a snaffle for schooling and steady hacking now and pelham for jumping. I've tried myler, new scheule, kimblewicks and gags.... alas!
 
yeah, I know schooling schooling schooling is the answer... but she's 12 now and been working hollow and above the bit, arguing and being 'difficult' since she was backed. I've had her 18months now and although there is a definite improvement, I find that as soon as she gets bored or asked to do something she doesn't feel like doing she reverts back to leaning on the bit and resisting through her jaw and twisting her head to the side.

My instructors says he doesn't know if it is pain in her mouth, dislike of the bit or just a problem 'up in her head' but I've ruled out pain and tried a few bits... just thought I'd try a waterford before I give up altogether!!!

Its frustrating because she can go very nicely and balanced when she chooses. But she is very clever and knows exactly how to catch hold of the bit and be awkward when she's had enough or doesn't want to do something (like a downwards transition most commonly). I do persist with the flatwork etc - changing tack is always my least favourite option but I'm a bit stuck for ideas at the moment!

thanks, good luck with your horse as well!
 
I got 1/2 size bigger and was fine - I think a whole size bigger may be a little over board !

Just to warn you thoug, I tried one on H who leans all the time on the hand and it worked for a month and then he started leaning on it like it was a normal snaffle !! Defo worth a try though as I now change bits every month and can get some real nice work out of him in it now
 
I think mine is 1/2 a size bigger than normal, so 6in instead of 5.5in. TBH mine only cost £10 from a tack shop, so even if you get cheaper than that on Ebay by the time you've paid the postage it probably won't be far off that anyway.
 
my lad takes a 5 3/4 bit & is in a 62 waterford as i can not find one bigger.

he hates the pelham but bogs off in anything else,so far the waterford is working.
 
Hi Jenny - have you tried a Pelham? I have one with a ported mouthpiece for Henry and it is the best bit I've tried him in (have also tried a waterford and dutch gag). The port allows him mouth room and because it's a straight bar there's no pinching action. The curb chain will also kick in when Polly tries to grab! He really likes it and goes lovely and light in it!
 
Hey,

Actually I ride her in a Kimberwick for XC and if my BF take her hacking. She does seem to like the ported action and goes nicely in it TBH

However, I am slightly loathe to get her TOO dependent on the curb action just because I'm worried that it will make it hard to switch back to a snaffle to do any dressage we have to do. Not sure, may be overly worrying about this!

Anyway, I tried a friend's waterford the other night and will again tonight. I had some success in it but it could just be the 'new bit' thing.
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Thanks everyone for the help... it is a case of trial and error with this horse as she is SOOOOOOO fussy about her mouth. LOL
 
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