Aa
suitable bit
can anyone advise me of a suitable bit for my 14 year old mare as she leans on the bit and pulls my arms. At present she is in a french link eggbutt snaffle. i dont want to change to a harsher bit, but would like to prevent her from leaning and pulling. she has her teeth checked twice yearly. any advice appreciated thank you
I like the rollers suggestion. Having rollers to fuss with seems to calm a lot of horses.
Lately I've been reading, more and more, about methods of curing pulling or "hard mouth" by lightening up instead of cracking down--that "hard mouth" isn't physical but a bad habit.
Like most people, I used to think that a "hard mouthed" horse didn't feel the bit well any more, and needed more correction. But according to the newer theories, apparently it is less a matter of the amount of pressure than of the change in pressure. So if you are pulling hard for control already, then to signal the horse you have to pull even harder or use a harsh bit, and the mouth gets harder, and so on..
But the horse can, supposedly, be retrained so you aren't already pulling hard all the time (using more seat and leg, I think, don't know the details), and it will then be responsive to signals of a lesser and lesser pressure. Quite a few trainers are saying that even older horses can be made soft-mouthed with a little training.
It's a thought.
Lately I've been reading, more and more, about methods of curing pulling or "hard mouth" by lightening up instead of cracking down--that "hard mouth" isn't physical but a bad habit.
Like most people, I used to think that a "hard mouthed" horse didn't feel the bit well any more, and needed more correction. But according to the newer theories, apparently it is less a matter of the amount of pressure than of the change in pressure. So if you are pulling hard for control already, then to signal the horse you have to pull even harder or use a harsh bit, and the mouth gets harder, and so on..
But the horse can, supposedly, be retrained so you aren't already pulling hard all the time (using more seat and leg, I think, don't know the details), and it will then be responsive to signals of a lesser and lesser pressure. Quite a few trainers are saying that even older horses can be made soft-mouthed with a little training.
It's a thought.
you might want to try a bit with rollers on it....if she is pulling, perhaps the rollers will give her less leverage, something to focus on other than leaning on you.
Thank you for your reply, at present I use a french link eggbutt snaffle.
You say use somthing with a twist can you reccomend anything.
Many thanks
You say use somthing with a twist can you reccomend anything.
Many thanks
Have you tried something with a twist to it? They make a slow twist bit that might have a little more bite to it without being harsh. Also, please remember that any bit can be severe if it is misused. Someone once told me that the smaller the circumference of the bit, the more severe it is. I currently ride my horse in an egg butt snaffle. Good luck!
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