Something like a snaffle...?

[Tootsie4U]

I want something very mild that will give me more lightness than an ordinary snaffle - any ideas? Its also important that the bit be of the kind to encourage him to work INTO it, not back away from it.

I would like to stay away from shanked bits as I am not a 'leverage' kind of gal. Im considering a Kimblewick. Would that be a good alternative? A Kimblewick isnt a shank bit, right? :D

Up until now, he's only ever been in a French link snaffle or jointed snaffle. Im not sure how he'll react to any type of other bit, including the port kind.

The bit change is not for control or to replace training - he's just ready for something different.

[Shadowlark]

A correctly fitted kimblewick with a lightly fitted curb chain can be milder than a snaffle. Esp. in certain mouths. You see the Kimblewick although it has some poll preasure - it isn't much and of course can have strong or mild curb preassure depending on fit. But it doesn't have the jaw breaker action - and it doesn't drive into the pallet of the mouth. It is a very quiet bit.

You may also want to consider a Pelham, and ride only on the snaffle ring - again it's a mild non nut cracker action that is very direct and clear in the horses mouth.

[Montana]

Hi Tootsie:)

This:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v723/Caththayer/06-01-28g.jpg

I can't recommend it strongly enough, It's an ordinary single linked snaffle, but because it's just so much more stable in the mouth, it works like a dream. It was a real breakthrough with Monty, he used to brace then give with any other bit, this one just let him lighten straight up, and he works really well in it.

It's called a Rockin' S snaffle, and it's by reinsman. There's a good article on Mark Rashid's website about it:
http://www.markrashid.com/Bits.htm

As you say, not for control or to replace training - but I've seen this bit help a lot of horses now, it's just a great tool.

[NoviceNic]

What about the Myler range. Captain loved it when I put a Myler Comfort Snaffle Loose Ring in a couple of weeks ago. I have never felt him so light. Scouring Ebay for a bargain one frequently.:rolleyes:

[carthorse]

Have you tried a mullen mouth? I found my Myler one really good for getting Jim to truly accept the contact (he has a tendancy to back off anything "busy" in his mouth). I'd also second NoviceNic's suggestion of the Myler comfort snaffle, Jim liked that too & was certainly light in it but is more settled in the stiller mullen.

Please don't fall into the trap of lighter is always better, sometimes it can mean they're dropping the contact rather than accepting it & taking it forward. Yes we all like our horses to be light in the hand but they should be in the hand. I hope that doesn't sound critical or patronising - it isn't meant to :o

[Mehitabel]

what do you mean by lightness? generally, if a horse is not already light in a snaffle, then changing the bit will create false lightness and bcking off it - this is why so many people see a miracle difference in a pelham, as the horse is backing off it and coming into an outline because of them.

what problems are you seeing in the snaffle? is it a schooling thing, or a 'brakes/safety issue?

[Tootsie4U]

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