waterford snaffle bit and ex racehorse

[agsam27]

Hi all, just fishing for opinions about a waterford snaffle bit. I have a 11yo ex racehorse whos only been out of racing 2 years (1st year was just getting him to walk!) hes great now but im having a bit dilema. I started him off in a french link loose ring snaffle to school in (which on a non spooky day he is great), but then decided he needed to be hacked out more to build his confidence up (as he was terribly nappy, spooky when not on the road or school) he very vary rarely naps now when out and about and occasionally spooks at the odd leaf, which im really chuffed with as its taken a long time to get this far, but now hes more confidant he is getting cheeky and rather more cantankerous when we go up a gear. Ive had him in a rubber mouthed pelham (as i had one and thought i would try it) and he does work brilliantly in it, but knowing how he rides feel the curb action is not needed, and the poll action brings his head too low i think and would like to get him back into a 'snaffle' type bit, as he can work well in one. When he does get 'full of himself' out hacking when going up a gear he has started to lean on the bit, and even today out walking! he trys to snatch the bit, my friend said to try a waterford loose ring snaffle. I have never used one but wondered if anyone who had experiance of them could let me know if it would be worth a try, especially if they have had a ex race horse in one? sorry im not very good at wording things, i hope it makes sence? thankyou in advance

 

[ImmyS]

Hi all, just fishing for opinions about a waterford snaffle bit. I have a 11yo ex racehorse whos only been out of racing 2 years (1st year was just getting him to walk!) hes great now but im having a bit dilema. I started him off in a french link loose ring snaffle to school in (which on a non spooky day he is great), but then decided he needed to be hacked out more to build his confidence up (as he was terribly nappy, spooky when not on the road or school) he very vary rarely naps now when out and about and occasionally spooks at the odd leaf, which im really chuffed with as its taken a long time to get this far, but now hes more confidant he is getting cheeky and rather more cantankerous when we go up a gear. Ive had him in a rubber mouthed pelham (as i had one and thought i would try it) and he does work brilliantly in it, but knowing how he rides feel the curb action is not needed, and the poll action brings his head too low i think and would like to get him back into a 'snaffle' type bit, as he can work well in one. When he does get 'full of himself' out hacking when going up a gear he has started to lean on the bit, and even today out walking! he trys to snatch the bit, my friend said to try a waterford loose ring snaffle. I have never used one but wondered if anyone who had experiance of them could let me know if it would be worth a try, especially if they have had a ex race horse in one? sorry im not very good at wording things, i hope it makes sence? thankyou in advance

My ex racer used to fiddle with the bit a lot when she was anxious and would also pull the rein down and out of my hands, I now ride her bitless and she's never been so relaxed, responsive and easy to ride just to throw a different idea at you. I know some people dislike the Waterford for various reasons to do with pressure or pinching if the bars? Someone posted about it recently, possibly Wagtail? Can't remember exactly, but it made a lot of sense, what they said.

 

[caramel]

Mine's in a Waterford hanging cheek snaffle, it's working well, he doesn't lean so much on it and like the way it sits in his mouth. He's lighter in the hand and working nicely in it. Am very happy with it.

 

[Izzwizz]

My horse isn't an ex-racer but he did used to lean on the bit and hold it between his teeth when I first had him. I ride him in a loose ring waterford snaffle and he goes great in it. We use it for schooling and hacking and is now so very light in the hand. He seems far happier in it than any other bit nowadays, shame they aren't dressage legal!

 

[agsam27]

Thank you all for your replies, i had never thought about going bitless! It seems you guys are happy with this type of bit, which means i might hire one to try and see how he goes. Thanks again