Waterford Bits

[katie_southwest]

Anyone use them? Am thinking of trying it on my mare as she takes hold and runs...anyone have any before and after stories?? Thankies

 

[Shilasdair]

Have used them - can be effective at getting a horse off your hand, but can make them collect behind the bit instead.
If there's one thing worse than being on a strong horse carting you, it's being on a horse carting you and ducking contact.
S

 

[SecretSquirrell379]

I normally ride my girl in a french link snaffle but if I need to make sure that I have brakes then I use my waterford. She seems to like and it is is very effective without being too harsh.

Have you got one you can borrow to try out before I go and buy one??

 

[katie_southwest]

Hmmm yeah true..so you wouldnt use them again?

 

[katie_southwest]

Tricksy- No I dont know anyone who has one I could borrow unfortunately

 

[Shilasdair]

[ QUOTE ]
Hmmm yeah true..so you wouldnt use them again?

[/ QUOTE ]

I might, but it would depend on the horse and the situation. If I had a horse which was normally fine in a snaffle, but got a bit strong at comps, then I'd use a Waterford only for the comps...and watch him carefully for signs of collecting against me.
I wouldn't use one all the time.
S

 

[tinker512]

Used it on a horse that was really strong in canter and would just lean, was very effective and had breaks.Would defo use again

 

[thorwaldharry]

i usually use a loose ring snaffle and a waterford for sj and xc my boy is great in it and he cant lean!

 

[SOB]

[ QUOTE ]
Have used them - can be effective at getting a horse off your hand, but can make them collect behind the bit instead.
If there's one thing worse than being on a strong horse carting you, it's being on a horse carting you and ducking contact.
S

[/ QUOTE ]

I used one on my lad and it was great for about 3 months. After that he did exactly what S has just described.....not fun at all.

 

[xoxalicexox]

i use one.... he much better and he is much happier in one. . . . definalty worth a try!

 

[andreo]

Use a universal waterford on my mare to jump and when she is being very rude in her flat work put her in a waterford loose ring, works a treat as she can be strong and holds the bit. P.J at Bit world in melton Mobray can gire you all sorts of waterfords to try for £5. They have a website "bit world" and she is really helpful. If it doesn't suit you just send it back

 

[mickey]

My horse was better in a waterford (normally strong in the hand). Then after a few weeks he was back to being strong. Instructor said try a THIN bradoon that he can't lean on which has worked. We use that with a drop noseband.
Lots of half-halts/transitions should help too.