Hello! I am in search of a bit for my horse yet again. For the last year of dressage, I have been using a simple O-ring snaffle with 1 break in it. It has a thinner mouth piece, and I want to go for a thicker one. I want to be able to rely on a thinner mouth piece for days when he needs a little bit more.
I also am trying to get rid of the gag action of an O-ring, so I am looking into eggbutts. (which will also get rid of the pinching on the sides of his mouth).
I am also looking into a bit with 2 breaks in it to see if he would work happier in it, and to help avoid the nutcracker action in his mouth.
Right why exactly are you changing bit? if the horse is happy in it leave it.
You want to go for a thicker mouth piece but how is the horses mouth conformation? can she comfortably take a thicker bit without causing undue pressure and leaving ample room for her toungue.
I dont know who told you that but a O ring snaffle does NOT have any form of gag action what so ever
I said gag since in my mind I was comparing his reaction to how he reacts to his gag. My mistake. (He opens his mouth and leans on it).
I want to switch bits to find something he is happier with. He leans on the one I use now, and ignores my down transition cues. Posted via Mobile Device
I said gag since in my mind I was comparing his reaction to how he reacts to his gag. My mistake. (He opens his mouth and leans on it).
I want to switch bits to find something he is happier with. He leans on the one I use now, and ignores my down transition cues. Posted via Mobile Device
This sounds like more of a training issue than a bit issue. Changing from one snaffle to another won't help with these issues, and I wouldn't recommend "bitting up".
That said, I'm all for trying something different to see if your horse prefers something different. However, I would not recommend purchasing a $90 bit just to see. I personally use this bit: JP Korsteel Oval Mouth Eggbutt Snaffle Bit | Dover Saddlery Try asking other horse people and folks around the barn with double jointed snaffles if you can borrow their bits to try on your horse.
There is a two-jointed snaffle made by Horse & More in association with Herm Sprenger, and it's only $40 at Dover. There are also Korsteel versions of this bit, although I thought the middle link was larger. What I'm trying to say, is you can go cheaper than the Mikmar, although I think it's a perfectly fine bit too. The H&M bit is surprisingly nice for $40. Mary's Tack will let you take Herm Sprenger bits out on trial, but I don't know that you were looking for a $200 bit.
The most simple bit (and the one used by the spanish riding school) is a Fulmer Snaffle: Equestrian | eBay They are cheaper and more simple. If the horse is leaning on the bit, there is a need for reschooling, but often a gag can end up causing that in the first place.
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