What Bit should i use ?

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pops

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I have a conemara x tb 15hh mare, she is 5 but was sold to me after having a foal so she hasnt done a great deal of work , I ride her in a full cheek snaffle, but she doesn't really respond to this ( she sticks her neck out and i have have to use more force than i want to slow her down), i dont want to use anything harsh on her, is there a bit i could use to make her accept the bit when we are riding ? Any suggestions would be greatfully recieved !!
 
At 5 your horse is still very young. I would stick to the snaffle and try and get some help to school her so that her understanding of your aids is improved. If you go for a harsher bit now you will probably regret it later. A snaffle with cheeks is usually a good starting choice for a youngster, however depending on mouth conformation, tongue size etc some horses prefer straight bar mouth pieces. I assume you've had her teeth checked? You could also try ringing the NS bit company, they are really good at offering advice over the phone on what bit may suit. Good luck!
 
Might be worth trying a different mouthpiece - french link/lozenge/straight bar depending on what you have now. My gelding really liked a snaffle with a very low port, but wasn't dressage legal so tough!
Well worth persevering though as monkeymad says, she's still young herself! (:
 
It has taken me three bits so far to find one he likes and seems comfy with, as my boy started sticking his head up and trying to nap. I use a happy mouth hanging cheek snaffle now and he seems to love it, it adds a bit of poll pressure if/when you need it . It also has the sides, and helps with steering. I will swap to a happy mouth jointed snaffle asap.

sm x
 
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