AShetlandBitMeOnce
Well-Known Member
So following another thread that was running about snaffles, the common opinion seems to be that many are mis-informed about the action of the bits they are using, it's severity or it's 'benefits'.
Which made me curious, what are you using.. and what made you decide this? I will happily go first - and fully expect some users to not agree with my choices
So I use...
1) Waterford rounded mouthpiece snaffle (controversial I know!) with cavesson for schooling, because he doesn't have a huge amount of space in his mouth and likes the flexibility. He does have a tendency to lean when he doesn't want to work properly and for now, this is the best option.
2) Short shank, straight bar pelham, used with double reins always and cavesson, for showing and really high pressure things like hunting, double rein is useful but he doesn't need a huge amount of leverage, respects this bit.
3) Copper Hartford swivel ring bit with a kineton for hacking, I really like this noseband but wouldn't want to exert the amount of pressure possible when he gets really excited in things like the above activities, primarily on his nasal bone. The bit has very mild leverage, and lays flat again his face to help with turning and keeping him looking straight and concentrating on me.
Your turn...
Which made me curious, what are you using.. and what made you decide this? I will happily go first - and fully expect some users to not agree with my choices

So I use...
1) Waterford rounded mouthpiece snaffle (controversial I know!) with cavesson for schooling, because he doesn't have a huge amount of space in his mouth and likes the flexibility. He does have a tendency to lean when he doesn't want to work properly and for now, this is the best option.
2) Short shank, straight bar pelham, used with double reins always and cavesson, for showing and really high pressure things like hunting, double rein is useful but he doesn't need a huge amount of leverage, respects this bit.
3) Copper Hartford swivel ring bit with a kineton for hacking, I really like this noseband but wouldn't want to exert the amount of pressure possible when he gets really excited in things like the above activities, primarily on his nasal bone. The bit has very mild leverage, and lays flat again his face to help with turning and keeping him looking straight and concentrating on me.
Your turn...