Which bit do u think?

alainax

alainax

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Hey! Im riding a lovley 4 year old who is being brought on at the moment.
We hack out regularly and hes a total super star.

However, every now and again he gets a wee fright n trys to dash off. I can get a hold of him (just) in the snaffle he's in. I have a slight conern that one day i just wont be able to hold him, and i also worry that he will get a hard mouth as im having to use all my strength to hold him when he does this. He doesnt do it all the time, and now and again he snatches (just being cheeky):p

Do I

a) leave him well alone in the snaffle, he's too young for a stronger bit and a strong bit will give him a hard mouth...(and changing the bit is not training him to accept the snaffle very well!)

b) Put him in something i have more control in for both our safety, so he doesnt learn to disrespect the bit / lean on it there for getting a hard mouth eventually....


I used to ride my last horse in a snaffle for schooling, and a dutch gag when i needed more control (jumping/hacking etc) but dont know if this one is a wee bit harsh for a youngster.

Ideally id like to keep him in the snaffle - but i find my self wanting some more anchors when we are out!

Also also also... he has a lovley natural shape but will lift his head on occasion so is in a martingale - i woundt like a stronger bit to force his head up higher!
 
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This evening he had a couple of exciting moments (herd of horses racing toward him!), and each time i could hold him in the snaffle no problem. Itl def be getting left as is :) for as long as i possibly can.
 
In my opinion and it is only my opinion, keep to a snaffle. I'd concentrate on walk and a little trot only. If you feel him getting strong just walk. Training is of absolute paramount with youngsters and indeed any horse.

It is a pointless task to put a youngster in a stong bit and new fangled gadgets (running martingale is fine). They have to learn manners and what is expected of them. Youngsters test you and everyday they will throw something new at you! Just be patient, take the trainng back a notch and get everything straight again before asking for more.

(I have a 4 year old ex racer I am rehabbing. Have backed a few youngsters so know all about the trials and tribulations of youngsters!). I have never needed anything more than a snaffle. There are varying snaffles, so maybe try a different snaffle if needs be.

Good luck!
 
I'd say stick with a snaffle but maybe try a different snaffle that gives a bit more control.

A slightly different joint, mouthpiece or cheek might help. A thinner mouthpiece would probably be my first choice.

I'd avoid anything with leverage like a dutch gag or wilkie as horses often raise their heads against them.
 
Thanks for your replies everyone. Yeah im def gonna stick with the snaffle, had our most excitable moments the other night and the snaffle turned out to be just fine. I def wouldnt like to change his bit, as has been said, its all about training in the snaffle and making sure he learns manners in it.
 
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