Dilemma - Bitless or flash? :-s

[sammyantha]

My RI thinks I need to put a flash noseband on my mare as she is very 'mouthy'. She's suggested getting her teeth checked first of course, in case they're sharp and making her chew and put her tongue out of her mouth etc. But if teeth are fine she thinks a flash will help.

BUT... I just bought her a happy wheel bitless bridle attachment (it's way too big so have to send it back for a smaller) and was quite looking forward to having a bitless horse. I thought I could use her loose ring snaffle just for lessons, and bitless the rest of the time. But RI says we have to start from scratch as she's very green, which means I have to really concentrate on her training and do things consistently. Can I swop and change bit/ bitless or will this mess her about? Should I just pick one way and stick with it or what?

[jowyles]

If shes not happy in the bit dont use it just use the bitless! My horse has been very happy in his happy wheel and I'm sure your horse would prefer it to something uncomfortable in her mouth and being strapped down to make it worse. Most instructors won't even know what a happy wheel is so go with what they know best, I would much rather change bits that strap my horses mouth down. At the end of the day flashes don't cure anything they just stop the horse from complaining.

[Vez]

It depends what you want to do with your horse. I personally think going bitless sounds better but if you want to do dressage or something that requires having a bit maybe the flash is a better idea!

Vez xx :)

[ashlingm]

Can i just ask what type of bit it is? is it just a simple loose ring snaffle? I bought my horse when he was in a normal snaffle and changed to a french link egbutt and wow the difference is amazing - maybe try her in one of those , there alot softer on thier mouths and tongues, maybe if she doesnt like that try goin bitless - only prob with that is some comps wont let you ride in one :( id try the rench link though - pick up a decent cheapish one on ebay

[sammyantha]

I'm only having lessons, nothing special just yet though I want to start endurance and dressage with her at the end of the year. I had an eggbut before and she wasn't comfortable in it. She's been fine so far in the loosering snaffle (thin) until we ask her to become softer and rounder which we've only just started to do.

jowyles - how are you finding the happy wheel? I have to send mine back to robinsons because it's about 10 sizes too big lol. Where did you get yours from? Mine's a full but judging by the size of it I don't think even a pony would be small enough for her!