Bits & Opinions

[kellyk]

I have had so many people try to influence me on different bits. My trainer used a D ring snaffle with a martingale. Then when she was done in training where I board now the gal there insisted I drop the martingale & go to a rubber mouth Pelham. Over winter I used a rubber full cheek snaffle. In the arena that worked fine but on the trail she ignored it. I have used a hackmore in the arena but do not want to go on the trail with that yet. I am back to the Pelham but had to get a larger bridle & different curb chain for my horse to except it. Bits that work I will say I am still confused allot of trial & error. My arabian head stall made the Pelham fit too tight & now with a new outfit it is working. Goes to show you the horse will let you know. Anyone with idea's on bits I am still open to suggestions.

[bartera]

Personally, on my Arabian mare, I prefer a simple d-ring snaffle. But my trainer prefers a twisted wire snaffle ( I am not willing to put my horse's mouth through that)
I would suggest simple trial and error - don't pay attention to what "other" people think, as much as you pay attention to what works for your horse. What works for one horse doesn't always work for another.
Good luck! - Jeanine

[kellyk]

Thank you for your reply Jeanine. I agree that your horse will tell you what works. I do want to add that I did go to the Pelham & I had a arabian bidle that made the bit too tight. So at first she had her ears back & was swishing her tail to let me know. Then I went back to using a full cheek rubber snaffle that worked well in the arena but not on the trail. She would ignore it. So then I went back to the D ring snaffle for awhile. Anyhow I did get a new cob sized bridle that my Pelham fits not so snug as my arababian size bridle & adjusted with a different curb strap & she is working well in that. I am using a hackmore in the arena & would like to get her working outside with that so we can trail ride & then I can let her stop & graze if I decide to get off & take a break. Anyway trial & error & lots of money spent on different bits has been & real eye opener for me. What one does for one horse if it works is amazing. Thanks for your response. Hopefully others can learn that if there horse is not working with a certain bit they are trying to tell us something. Safe riding to all.

[Mossy]

I would guess from your post that you are from the US. Apologies if i am wrong. In the UK there are places where you can hire bits from to see if they suit before buying them. Cuts down on the cost a little. Is there anythng similar where you are?
Good Luck.

[@]

My horse had so many high impact bits in his mouth when he was younger that now he doessn't even notice if i change. My advice...the simpler and genteler the better.
There is a morgan at the barn who (being a morgan) jiggs towards home and goes very fast all the time. He came with a correction kimberwick and curb chain. we used that for awhile whithout considering anything else. then we tried a snaffel (he was better), then a double jointed snaffel(better), and this year we rode him in an english hackamore and he was wonderful. As a lesson horse he needs to be very controllable and the hackamore has done the trick.
hope you and your horse finds one that suits you!
Allie T

[kellyk]

I am now using the Pelham with a bridle that fits properly. It is working & also working with Hackmore in the arena. I am in the US & here I dont think there is anywhere to try out & return if it doesn't work but that's OK I have plenty to go around. Any thanks for the input. Talk to you later