Wilkie Bit

Carrots&Mints

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If anyone can help me :)

Ive been struggling getting my horses head nicely tucked in in his current bit which is a waterford , Im wanting to take him to some shows this season and my friend who regularly takes hers to shows has suggested that I should try a Wilkie bit.

Has anyone tried a Wilkie bit and could give me some information on them :) or even any information on any other bits that I could try.

He came in a waterford when I got him :)

Thanks xx
 
It shouldn't be the bit that gets the horse's head 'tucked in', it's how it's ridden, ie from behind. When the horse is working correctly over the back the nose will drop. To pull it's nose in by mechanical means will just give you an uncomfortable, resisting horse. Best bet would be to find a decent instructor who can watch you ride your horse and give advice on bitting etc and how to use it correctly. You'll have a much happier and nicer horse in the long run. Therefore increasing your chances of success at shows!

Good luck with your horse.
 
Ahh thankyou, I will have to ask my instructor to teach me abit better, i can get it tucked it but it just seems to take ages! Thanks for your advice x
 
Hmm I wouldn't say it was my instructor I would blame myself for not asking enough questions! Lol.

Lesson for this week... pester her to teach me how to do it properly. Thanks for your advice kat Xx
 
This might sound daft but it's how my old instructor demonstrated it. If you get down on all fours with your knees under you (like a horse would be working from behind) you will find your head drops, if you do it with your knees out behind you, you will find it harder to drop your head, your back will hollow and it will be uncomfortable. Imagine having a weight on your back, which position would make holding the weight easier? This is why it's so much better to have your horse working from behind, they will drop their heads when they are working properly, you won't need to do much with the front end (ever seen dressage on a bridleless horse?), that will come when the back end is right. Feels great when you get it right and the horse will be much happier too.

Doesn't happen overnight though.
 
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