Working with Ellie's

[Sonia]

Ellie is really doing well and is so willing. She will work on the bit really well (at times!) but finds this definately easier on the right rein than the left. What can I do to help her take the bit better on her stiffer side? - she has had all the usual checks and has no physical problems. She tries to evade the bit when we're on the left rein - falling out through her shoulder etc..

Any ideas?

Also someone at my yard was wondering what is the best bit for "breaking" a horse ? (Horrible term that..)
Thanks
Sonia

[Graymalkin]

Most horses work more freely on one rein than the other - the best cure is just to keep schooling on each rein and hopefully the stiffness should disappear as she gets more supple.
As for the best bit for starting a horse (better term than 'breaking'!) - take your pick. You could use one of those bits with dangly 'keys' for the horse to play with (never used one myself). Some people do say that the keys irritate the tongue and make the horse prone to putting its tongue over the bit. The best mouthing bit I've found is a hollow-mouth, loose-ring French link with a copper piece in the middle - it's also very kind for long-reining and riding. The copper insert gives it flavour by the way! Have also used sweet iron jointed snaffles, which the horses seemed okay with - nice taste. Some people prefer to use rubber bits for starting, or Happy Mouth plastic bits. A friend of mine liked Waterford snaffles because they're so flexible. Basically though, as long as the bit fits, the horse's mouth is healthy and you don't leave the bit in for lengthy periods at first, there's no rule on which is the 'best' bit, provided you use something mild.