Another bit deliema

[rache]

Hi all

As some of you know i have just got a 16hh Pure TB gelding from a rescue centre, he used to race but how now aged i suppose even thou he is only 9yrs!!

Well me and hanze go show jumping nearly every week now in an indoor centre.

Well the thing is when i first got him i put him in a happy mouth and was find, then tried out a snaffle FINE, then we went to a sponsored ride and i decided that i should try a gag, so glad i did he was spp excited and was on the bottom hole. Well i have recently tried out a kimblewick out on him and he REALLY accepts this bet, really works with it etc but some people think they are harsh and i should try something a lil less servere??? :( But i have no idea what cause i think he really gets on with this bit but...will it make him hard mouthed?

Any ideas welcome as i need some help!!

THANKS for reading

[Esther.D]

A bit is only as harsh as the hands that use it. I see no reason not to use a relatively stronger bit if he prefers it and you use it carefully - it is better having him in a kimblewick/pelham and working well and not pulling than him pulling all the time in a snaffle. It is not the bit that will harden his mouth - it is the pressure that is put on the bit. A snaffle can cause a hard mouth just as easily.

[rache]

thank you Esther.D you have re-assured me now, he definatly responds more with the kimblewick i dont have the chain tight just light.

IS kimblewick known as a harsh bit?

[Esther.D]

A kimblewick is a curb so it is a stronger bit than a snaffle. It is similar to a Pelham but doesn't have the delicacy of a pelham used with two reins (with two reins on a pelham you have the effect of a snaffle with the top rein and a curb with the the bottom rein so you can choose which to use). The Kimblewick combines the curb and snaffle effect, if you hold the reins lower you will achieve more of a curb effect and if they are higher you will have a lighter effect...this is because the curb effect is created by the rein moving to the base of the ring and therefore creating more leverage and more poll action. He sounds as if he responds well to a bit with poll action - many horses do. If you are really worried about riding in a Kimblewick and would prefer a snaffle then try a hanging cheek snaffle, I have never used one but they are meant to have more poll action than a standard snaffle but less than a curb bit. Another way to soften the action of the Kimblewick is to use a rubber or leather curb chain, then it is soft when it comes into contact with his jaw.

In my opinion a Kimblewick is a milder bit than having the rein on the bottom ring of an American gag.

Good Luck - if it works stick with it - if you are gentle then you will not harden his mouth...

[rache]

I have been told that he should go well in a waterford (sp)? what abuot a hanging cheeck waterford what would you think on those bits?? I dont know too much abuot bits at all so dont know all what they do!