What bit to use for a dressage test?

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Gorgeous George

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I have been getting a bit disillusioned (sp?) with our schooling of late as George tends to lean on the bit a lot and is difficult to get to go softly from behind :( I came to the conclusion that enjoying my riding was far more important so for the last few weeks I have been schooling George in his beloved mullen mouth (metal) dutch gag with the reins on the snaffle ring.

He has been a joy to ride, he feels like he is working well behind and without dropping behind the contact he feels softer and happier at the front, and we've even had some success with lateral work :) So for now and and for us it seems like the way forward.

Anyway the point of all of this rambling, I'm doing a dressage test on the 31st so obv the gag is out, and wondered what would be the best bit to go for on the day of the competition? My choices are:
metal mullen mouth loose ring snaffle
metal mullen mouth hanging cheek snaffle
metal mullen mouth eggbutt snaffle

I think keeping the mouthpiece the same is best (please feel free to disagree!) as he seems so happy with it. I will ask my instructor as well but wondered what others thoughts are?

Thanks :)
 
I would go for the same mouthpiece with loose rings as he shouldn't be able to lean on you as easily as if you use an eggbutt. Also, you say he drops behind the contact. Some horses do this because they don't like the pressure of the bit so he may find a hanging cheek a bit too harsh because it does apply a slight amount of poll pressure.

Good luck at your Dressage Competition. :)
 
Thanks for that, I was leaning towards that one too, but you just don't know whether it is the loose ring of the gag they prefer or the poll pressure? :confused: Don't want to experiment before the comp as he will just get wise to the snaffle and lean, if I just change it for the day he may not have time to notice the change until the test is done! :D
 
If he goes well in a mullen mouth gag on the snaffle ring then I would go for a mullen mouth hanging cheek - as the parts of the bit you use will be as close as you can get to the gag set up you have while still being dressage legal. That coupled with plenty of leg would be my pick! Lots of sharp transitions when warming up should help.
Good luck with the test!
 
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