What Bit for my Friesian Mare?? Help!!

[Blissfull]

I've just beocme the owner of a 12 year old Friesian mare. Very well behaved but I am finding that she is very strong and I am struggling holding her back when hacking out with others... she always want to catch up!! Doesn't bolt or take off- thankfully!

I am riding her on a snaffle at the moment and would like to know if anyone can suggest a different bit which may help without going to severe.

She is a ride and drive mare... but I will be only riding her (driving maybe once a month) I am also looking to do a bit of dressage with her also... but think she will be fine doing dressage on snaffle. But I do need something elsefor hacking!

ANY IDEAS????

Thank you x

 

[s4sugar]

Military reversible pelham.
A good ride and drive bit that often suits Friesian mouth types and has more adjustments than just about any other bit.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

How about a Kimblewick? I think that they are very under-rated and I personally find that many horses prefer them (or pelhams) to gags - which are popular.

Can you borrow a few bits to try?

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Military reversible pelham.
A good ride and drive bit that often suits Friesian mouth types and has more adjustments than just about any other bit.

Not heard of that one. Is this it (it's what Google comes up with)?

I assume that you'd use two reins with it?

 

[Blissfull]

I use a kimblewick on my irish draught and i love it!! I was thinking of tring one on my Frieisan but wanted to ask on here first

thank you xx

 

[Blissfull]

Never heard of Military Reversable Pelham... but thanks! I will have a look in to that one

 

[s4sugar]

That is it. Cambridge mouthpiece like the Kimblewick above but a lot more rein options.

Usually seen on police horses these days.

(reversible as it can be used either way but the other side is bumpy and so harsher)

 

[madlady]

I ride both of my friesian mares in kimblewicks - they love them, ride nice and lightly and are stopable

I found that they both hated snaffles with a passion - to the point where D would do a mini rear in one.

 

[Deseado]

Agree with others (I have a Friesian mare), mine goes much more happily in anything with a curb chain rather than in a snaffle (which she hates). I find these kind of big necked, upfront horses (such as heavy cobs) need a little help from a curb, and pulling on a "kind" snaffle is far worse than a light hand on a supposedly "harsh" pelham/kimblewick/curb.

 

[Technique]

Don't know if it would be any good for a Friesian (tho I have always wanted one) but my warmblood mare goes well in a waterford pelham.