.::starting in a snaffle::.

[¶¤Lil Cowgirl¤¶]

Hello!

I was just wondering... how many people would start a young horse in a snaffle? Like when you started them at the age of 2 or 3 (whichever you perfer).

And this would only go for people that the horse would go in a snaffle for.... or do you guys skip the snaffles and go straight to something like a curb bit, or a "D" ring?? Thanks!!

All help is appreciated!!
:D ;)

[maverick927]

I would always start in a snaffle as it is least severe. Once the pony has more education i would possible move them up a bit which would help suppleness and get an outline, but that would be a long time into schooling.

[tasha]

I would probably use a mullen mouth snaffle. I'm not sure if I'd use metal or not though. There's is no way I'd use something stronger, as all the gag/curb action of a stronger bit may panic a youngster.

[Kerry's Partner!!]

I just wouldn't know. I think the most basic thing is to get the fit right but I'd ask on the EE board to see what Heather or Sue would advise.

[Mehitabel]

i always start youngster in a french link snaffle with cheeks. it's a simple bit, with well-defined independent action on both sides. i definitely would never start in a curb bit, as it asks for a refinement that a baby simply isn't capable of. the idea when starting a baby is to keep the signals as clear and simple as possible. imagine you're learning a new language - you start with simple words and phrases, and gradually work up to longer, more intricate sentence structure and more involved ideas. a young horse needs to get the basics before being asked for anything more complex. a snaffle is the equivalent of "my name is bob. i have a sister. i live in london" and a curb bit is the equivalent of discussing advanced philosophy!

[doris]

Es

Loved your definition of bits, like learning a new language etc. I shall remember your description. I started my young cob in a french link fulmer cheek snaffle, and she still goes well in it 3 years later. I also have an older pony, who is very strong, and instead of putting a stronger bit in her mouth, I have gone for a softer option, a french link sweet-iron snaffle. This works very well for her.

[Kerry's Partner!!]

I 'm neither experienced enough or interested enough to recommend any particular bit. I can say, from experience, 'though that my horse hated her French Link snaffles -both the one with full cheeks and the one without so it just goes to show doesn't it that they are individuals and you might to keep an open mind.

[Gracie]

I started my horse off in a rubber happy mouth snaffle bit! I called it her "baby" bit! I never actually rode her in that but her first bridle had that bit on it when she tried it on. Her second bit was an eggbutt snaffle (urgh I'm horrible with bits i hope that makes sense) with cheeks to help her to learn to steer!

[¶¤Lil Cowgirl¤¶]

Hello!

Well right now the bridle i have has a sweet iron loose ring snaffle on it... but the lady at the tack store called it a *colt breaking bit* lol. But i dont think she knew much... because she called a "D" ring a egg butt. lol... but i knew that was the bit i wanted. cuz i lvoe snaffles. lol bye!

[Danae]

I bought Gator when he was 12, he was originally trained English but could go Western. Up until a few weeks ago I only trail rode him.I used a Tom Thumb because that's what he used before. When I decided to train him for Western Pleasure he had alot of difficulty with the Tom Thumb so I switched him over to the O Ring Snaffle (medium diameter - very mild) and he's done wonderful starting out. I might go up to a milder twisted wire bit when the time comes but until then and maybe always I will use the O Ring - wonderful bit :D.

[ilovebacara]

i would always bit and long rein the horse for the first few weeks in a breaking bit which is just a straight bar loose ring snaffle but it has got keys on ( not actual door keys or anything like that lol it is just 3 little dangley bits of metal) so that the horse has something to play with when the bit is in it mouth.
Then after a while i would put on either a french link of just a plain eggbutt snaffle.
when it gets to the stage of riding i would keep the snaffle on and see how strong the are and i would normally keep them in that until you begin to teach them different things which may need a different type of bit.

[¶¤Lil Cowgirl¤¶]

Hey!

Yeah i am going to start my horse in a plain snaffle.... and then later on probably progress to a tom thumb,,,, i have always used them and i like them second next to the snaffle. I like "O" rings too.... my horses dad went really well in one... it was the only bit we would use on him. And for english i like "D" rings.... for some reson. lol. well i g2g bye!:D ;)

[HandtiedHalters]

I'd start in a natural hackamore and then move to a mullen mouth snaffle with loose rings.
Just my opinion.

[Mehitabel]

the problem with mullen mouths and straight bars is that because they are one solid bar, when you use one rein there's an effect on the other side of the mouth. a french link avoids this because of the extra link in th middle, so each side acts independently.
kerry's partner - of course every horse is an individual - i also know horses who don't like french link snaffles. but the majority of them do, which is why it's a good bit to start off in. if things don't go well, then obviously you need to rethink.

[¶¤Lil Cowgirl¤¶]

Hey!

Hmmmm i like the sounds of a Hackamore too... then it wouldnt be applying pressure to her mouth... and there for she wouldnt have bad thoughts of anything everytime i put a bit in her mouth lol.

And hackamores can actually apply more pressure than a bit.... but then it wont make their mouth sore... well i think i might try to invest in a hackamore lol.

Then i can try both and decide which one is best for her.

Bye!

[ilovebacara]

i wouldnt use a hackamore to break a horse in cos it has got to get used to the bit in the mouth and what each aid means.

[¶¤Lil Cowgirl¤¶]

Hey!

Ohhh right... hmm just thought of that... good point!! Darn, lol ill still invest in one probably... well she is doing good now and takes the bit way easier than most horses i have met. lol;)

[ilovebacara]

well done! glad to see that she is goin well for you!! :D

[Lucy J]

My youngster was started off in a loose ring german hollowmouth snaffle and is now riddem in a full cheek loose ring fulmer snaffle.

I also tried a JP curved loose ring snaffle but had no brakes in it.

The horse has gone well in all these stainless steel bits

[¶¤Lil Cowgirl¤¶]

Hey!

Well i havent rode her yet.... i cant do that untill she is at least 2... May 24th lol.... but i have been puttin a sweet iron loose ring snaffle in her mouth and she is accepting it really well... she just moves it around and chews on it for a few seconds... and then she just stands there wit the bit in her mouth.

I am very pleased with how she is... I have never seen a horse her age be so willing and accepting. ;) I am very proud cuz she is my baby!