Elementary - snaffle or double?

[indienf]

I bought a 16.1hh gelding about a year ago. He is now working nicely at novice level, in a myler comfort snaffle and consistently scoring around the 70% mark at novice. He can do elementary movements, and is happy to do them in his snaffle, but as soon as we make the change to the double bridle, he starts headshaking and bucking with me.
He is fine physically, with his teeth etc, and I've tried numerous double combinations - none of which he is happy with, he just doesn't like having a lot of metal in his mouth, and has quite a small mouth.
What I am thinking of doing is competing him at elementary in his snaffle bridle. Does anyone do this, and, if so, what experiences have you had of it? Do people look down on you for not using a double, and, more importantly, has anyone found that judges mark differently?

[Lgd]

If he's happy in his snaffle stay in it.

You will not be judged any differently and it is perfectly permissible to ride in a snaffle up to and including Advanced Medium level.

A double bridle is compulsory once you reach Advanced so if you think he is going to have the ability to reach this level then it is worth continuing the hunt for a double bridle that he will accept, so that by the time you reach the level he is happy in it.

Myler now do double bridle bits that are dressage legal - may be worth having a look at those if you have not already tried them.

I know the feeling of frustration as my 'baby' has been a problem to fit - low palate and fat tongue. She currently has a french link snaffle and a fairly thin Mors Lotte curb.

One little trick that might help is to alter the spacing of the double bits. Snaffle at normal height but drop the curb a bit lower so that when they are in the mouth the snaffle does NOT overlie the curb bit. This seems to help with low palate conformation. If you want PM me with what you have tried and what the mouth conformation is like and I will try and suggest something.

[Tor&Warrior]

Lgd has covered it all but just wanted to add that my trainer had a problem with her dressage horse who has just moved up to Elementary. He absolutley HATED the double and she droped the curb lower and it was amazing the difference, he went like a dream in it and never had a problem since. She still competes in a snaffle at Elementary though as he's only just happy with the double so not ready for compeition and he competed today and came 2nd in a huge affilliated class, in a snaffle.

[indienf]

Thanks both of you.
I think he could go to advanced, and my instructor agrees with me, so will need to find some way around this problem.
I've played around with the snaffle and curb at different heights, but he really isn't happy with it.
I may be being dense, but is there any information on the myler double bridle bits on their website? I can't find any!!!

[liz--y]

have you tried taking the curb chain off

[indienf]

yes, but he doesnt like that either - he's really fussy in his mouth.
Also, double bridle needs curb chain, otherwise I don't think it's legal is it?
Thanks though, this problem's really annoying me now!

[Lgd]

yes- curb chain is required to be legal. Someone got disqualified at Necarne because their curb chain came loose during their test :eek:

Not sure how widely the Myler double has been advertised, a friend of mine has them on her advanced horse - I'm pretty sure I know who she got them from so will make some enquiries for you.

[indienf]

Thanks, any info would be appreciated because I've looked at their website and googled it, and can't find anything on it anywhere!