bits

[K&K]

i'm buying my first tack - a used western saddle and bridle. the horse i'm buying uses a mild snaffle bit, so that was what i was planning to buy (i prefer snaffles anyway), but many people have told me you can't use a snaffle when you're riding western. ...why not?

[Outrider]

Are you going to compete in shows or just riding for your own pleasureon the trails? If the latter, you canuse whjatever bit you want. If showing, it depends on the show. Some do require more of a western curb, but you would have to check the equipment rules for Canada. Happy Trails!

[RoxR]

Over here in UK, if you ride in a novice horse class, it HAS to be in a snaffle. And if I'm right, also all horses under five have to use a snaffle. Horses over five in an open reining class have to wear a curb.

I think it's because once a horse's western training is so far established, there should be very little need to use the bit, so the fact that it can be more severe is actually proof that you don't need it!!!!

:)

[Katie_85]

What about using an Argentine snaffle? Isn't that really the best of both worlds? :)

[K&K]

i'm not doing any showing, just bumming around the trails ... so i guess i'll stick with the snaffle. thanks!

[RoxR]

Let me ask on behalf of everyone that doesn't know (or actually, it's probably just me!!), but what is an Argentine snaffle?

:)

[Katie_85]

Sure, I probably should have explained beforehand. An Argentine snaffle is a Western training bit. It looks a bit like the Tom Thumb, but I'll post a picture. It has a jointed mouthpice like a snaffl, but short shanks with different settings for various degrees of leverage and control. Here's that pic: Argentine Snaffle (http://www.statelinetack.com/images/product/25526.jpg)

[doris]

Dont' worry, most of the classes you will want to do can be ridden in a snaffle. Western curb bits can be severe, and should only be used when you and your horse don't actually need to use the bit, as the horse will react to leg aids and the pressure of the (loose) reins on the neck. When using a snaffle, the reins should be held in both hands. One handed should only be used with a curb bit.

[K&K]

Originally posted by doris
When using a snaffle, the reins should be held in both hands. One handed should only be used with a curb bit.

that makes sense ... and the horse doesn't neck rein, so a snaffle should be good!

[Danae]

I've just started showing a few monthes ago, and I show in a copper mouth snaffle. Remember though - the thinner and lighter the snaffle the more severe it is. So stick to a medium sized snaffle. Snaffles are, I think, the universal western bit. I've seen alot of the comepetitors showing in regular snaffles, as well as fellow trail riders.

Good luck :)

[myEllie]

Unless the horse you are riding is a junior, you absolutely CANNOT use a snaffle. You must use a curb bit and neck rein.

[K&K]

Originally posted by myEllie
Unless the horse you are riding is a junior, you absolutely CANNOT use a snaffle. You must use a curb bit and neck rein.

really? why? pardon me for asking but i'd really like to learn more about it ...

[myEllie]

Of course I was talking about for shows. If you just plan on trail riding or riding around the barn then you can just ignore my advice. I don't know why it is that way, but most associations rules state that senior horses are to be ridden one handed in a curb bit. Sorry, it's not much help, but remember if you show, you need a curb.

[doris]

I am a member of the Western Horsemans Association, and have been to a few of their unaffiliated shows. There are plenty of novice horse/rider classes where you don't have to use a curb bit. And there are both novice horse and novice horse/rider combinations. Of course it's different the further up the ladder you go at bigger shows. The general rule is, read the rules in the schedule or ring the secretary running the western classes beforehand - they are always very helpful in promoting the western classes.