Which Bit??

FreyaB

FreyaB

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Hi everyone,

I currently ride my gelding in a Sweet Iron Loose Ring French Link Bit but sometimes when we're jumping at competitions, XC, Galloping in fields he can get a bit strong and I'd just like a bit more control! Nothing to strong, maybe a NS Baucher or Waterford snaffle? :) thanks
 
FreyaB said:
Hi everyone,

I currently ride my gelding in a Sweet Iron Loose Ring French Link Bit but sometimes when we're jumping at competitions, XC, Galloping in fields he can get a bit strong and I'd just like a bit more control! Nothing to strong, maybe a NS Baucher or Waterford snaffle? :) thanks
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Nothing too strong and you want to use a Waterford snaffle?.. they are extremely harsh on a horses mouth and should only be used by experienced riders and someone with nice soft hands. My horse is strong as well and he is ridden in a French Link Dutch Gag 3 Ring on the last ring and it works very well for him.
 
Hungey said:
Nothing too strong and you want to use a Waterford snaffle?.. they are extremely harsh on a horses mouth and should only be used by experienced riders and someone with nice soft hands. My horse is strong as well and he is ridden in a French Link Dutch Gag 3 Ring on the last ring and it works very well for him.
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Oh, I'm sorry! I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to bits, someone on my yard who is a very experienced horsewoman suggested it. Thank you, I'll have a google for one!
 
FreyaB said:
Oh, I'm sorry! I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to bits, someone on my yard who is a very experienced horsewoman suggested it. Thank you, I'll have a google for one!
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Sorry I just realized how rude that was! Sorry I didn't mean for that to come across rude. I just don't think your horse will benefit that but considering you don't something that's too strong.
 
Hungey said:
Sorry I just realized how rude that was! Sorry I didn't mean for that to come across rude. I just don't think your horse will benefit that but considering you don't something that's too strong.
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No, no it's fine! It makes sense! :)

H_F - I'll google what that one is! :)
 
I'd like a bit more ability to collect so he doesn't gallop into fences...!
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Do you sit up/almost leaning back as you approach?
My boy can be fast to jumps, and I control his canter by sitting tall and squeezing with my thighs to slow him
 
TBH I'd consider a dutch gag on bottom ring to be a MUCH more severe bit than a kindly used waterford snaffle!
Waterford sits softly in the horses mouth unless he leans on it, so discourages him from 'taking a hold', wheras gag applies maximum leverage to crank the bit upwards in the horses mouth against his teeth and into the roof of his mouth.
 
Waterford Snaffle all the way - no poll pressure like a gag/pelham! Will take away the ability for him to lean on you and tank off. Remember to use your reins independently - obviously you should do this anyway but it's particularly important with this bit because of the jointed mouthpiece and prevents the horse from leaning completely.
 
Why not try and use a 3 ring snaffle, you can probably get them in the same type you are using. then drop down the holes when he is getting strong!
 
SuperCoblet said:
This^^ I'd actually try a Waterford snaffle
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This... I really really dislike 3-ring snaffles/ Dutch gags, even with roundings and a curb on (so they work as they're meant to). A waterford is good because it prevents the horse from leaning on the bit, but it can be a relatively severe bit as a result. Some horses love them, and others hate them.
 
A dutch gag is NOT a "3-ring snaffle". It isn't a snaffle at all.

If the mouthpiece is loose on the ring to ride upwards in the mouth then it is a GAG. Different action, whether you use a curb chain or not.

It amazes me the number of people who think a pelham/kimblewick is harsh (it isn't) but are quite happy to throttle their horse with a gag, (because it's got a joint it must be a snaffle, so it must be gentle, right?). RANT OVER.

***wanders off to kick the dog***
 
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