what type of bit

[mrogers]

What bit would you recommend to encourage a correct head carriage?

I know it comes from correct riding etc etc but has anyone used a bit to encourage to round and lower. Ideally im looking for quiet a mild snaffle like bit

Thank You

 

[Gypsum]

I recommend a french snaffle or a KK-type bit (can you buy KK bits in the UK? I moved here from the States and brought all my tack). Roundness and correct head carriage, as you seem to know yourself, come from proper training and teaching the horse to come through from behind and be soft in the bridle. I see way too many people forcing horses to put their heads down with tight martingales, gag bits, etc. etc. but the horses are still stiff through the back and not using their hind ends.

 

[mrogers]

Good no! Im not the type to force heads in etc etc. But at the mo im retraining an ex racer so need all the help I can !

 

[Gypsum]

An ex-racer will be against the bit so all the more reason not to go with a harsh one. Then the horse won't learn to be soft, since he has no reason to want to go into an unpleasant bit, even if in the short run it gives you better breaks than a French snaffle. Put the snaffle in his mouth and teach him to give to it, from the ground if you're worried about him taking off if you're in his back. He will also need to be learning seat and leg aids as well, which are even more important for going on the bit since roundness comes from the hindquarters, not the headset.

 

[SouthWestWhippet]

I would echo a loose ring french link type snaffle.

I like the loose rings for encouraging a horse to stretch down because if your hands do wobble a tiny bit the loose ring will help to mitigate that fact and the horse will 'trust' the hand more and stretch into it. Plus the french link is nice and mild so the horse will want to feel it more rather than backing behind it.

JMHO