Which bit to start my young mare in?

N

Nattysmith

Member
Joined
24 October 2011
Messages
13
Location
Worksop
Visit site
I have just bought a lovely new mare, a 4 year old Welsh Section D in foal due end March. She has been passed about a bit so not sure what her background is regarding her handling/training so I'm going to start her from scratch. Obviously I won't be doing a massive amount with her until next year once the foal is born and weaned but I want to get her basic handling and groundwork in place. She is very sweet and loving and quiet, and walks fine in a headcollar but want to get a bridle and hopefully a bit on her in next few weeks and just wondered what people recommend the best bit to start her off with? I had a 3 year old that was bitted when I bought her but she hated it so I restarted her in a happy mouth full cheek with the lozenge in the middle and she came on brilliantly. Just wasn't sure whether to do the same or what to start this girl in? I'm not a fan of rubber bits! Thanks for any advice/tips.
 
I would start her of in a nice simple french link snaffle - make sure the mouthpiece isn't too chunky for her mouth and have a think about the cheek pieces - a lot of youngsters benefit from a full cheek snaffle to begin with as they help with steering.

I take it you're only going to be doing little in-hand bits with her given that she is in foal?
 
I have a Welsh D mare who was broken in last year and she is happeist with a Myler Comfort snaffle with a wide barrel and full cheeks. Have tried her with a lozenge bit but she faffs around with it a lot.
 
I have to admit I personally don't like the key bits, I just think for a first bit to have that much metal in their mouth is at least going to be distracting

OP have you had a look at her mouth confirmation? Big tongue/low palate etc etc?

I don't think you can go too far wrong with a nice simple french link :D
 
Obviously I won't be riding her, I just want to get her used to wearing a bridle and bit on and doing some in hand groundwork and handling with her. I had a full cheek for my other youngster but don't like them unless I'm riding and obviously I won't be doing that for at least 12 months so just wanted a nice gentle bit to get her used to having one in.x
 
Thankyou for your advice. I've decided to try a lightweight loose ring French link snaffle and see how we get on. Any advice on asking her to accept the bit to start with would be greatly appreciated. Was easy withe my first mare as she was very food orientated but this girl won't even eat treats out of my hand they have to be in a bucket!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top