Wilkie Snaffle???

[Nicky1711]

We have just bought a pony and he has come with a Wilkie Snaffle. When my daughter rides him he tosses his head quite a bit. I have read that this can happen with this bit in ponies which have a small mouth, his is (4 1/4). Should I try him in a normal snaffle? Any advice from people who have experienced this would be great!

 

[WelshD]

You can get the Wilkie with a narrow mouthpiece from Fylde which may help if the current mouthpiece is chunky

Many people however do report that problems can be caused by these bits so yes I would try a simple snaffle and see if things improve, if the Wilkie was originally used for extra brakes (as opposed to its more common use of pulling the head in) then a hanging cheek may be an idea instead

 

[Bexx]

I used to ride a pony that was originally in a Wilkie and she also head tossed a bit. I tried her in a drop snaffle and she seemed happier in that. It's just trial and error to see what the pony feels comfortable in. Is it single or double jointed? As that is also something to look into, but id only change one thing at a time, so if the pony is in a double jointed Wilkie, try either a single jointed Wilkie or a snaffle with a French link or similar in so you can pin point exactly what the pony is unhappy with. You may also want to get out the dentist too if you haven't already

 

[Nicky1711]

Thanks for your reply, it is a single jointed narrow Wilkie and he had his teeth done a few months back.

 

[kellybee]

Additionally, one with a peanut might be better suited with a tiny mouth - wont pinch his tongue or bruise the top of his mouth.

 

[Bexx]

Thanks for your reply, it is a single jointed narrow Wilkie and he had his teeth done a few months back.

In this case I'd try a single jointed drop snaffle next, then go from there if the pony is still unhappy

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

All Wilkies should be melted down and turned into something useful - like a teapot!

Horrible bits. Get rid and try an actual snaffle, not a gag labeled wrongly.

 

[Nicky1711]

Well tried a normal snaffle, pony bolted off round the arena, my daughter fell off the back and is now to scared to ride him!!

 

[mulberrymill]

Oops, not a good move then. A hanging cheek is a pretty good bit to try, and much as i dont like them myself, a kimblewick can be useful for small children and willful ponies

 

[Nicky1711]

He has never acted like this before so hoping it was a one off. Just got to try and coax my daughter back on him!

 

[be positive]

The pony is very young, probably unsettled in his new home with new rider, I would go back a step, use the original bit and lunge before your daughter gets on, once they are more established then start trying other bits but pop it on the lunge before putting up the jockey.
I would start with a french link or peanut link rather than single jointed, they are usually kinder but the link needs to be small as in a tiny mouth the joins can end up on the corner of the mouth or pressing on the bars, there is a lot of trial and error in getting it right.