Critique my mare and me

She seems real stunning. Beautiful build and all, although I must admit she looks abit uncomfortable in the mouth. I would suggest trying to switch to a softer bit, such as a single jointed loose ring or eggbutt snaffle.

And in that third and fourth picture, was she holding her head like that or was it just at that moment she put her head like that?

THe reason I didnt give when she took the picture was becuase as soon as you let go her head goes up unless you do it gradually, and the tomb thumb that is in her mouth is not harsh. I have always used it and love it. Shes used to barrels so im working on working on the head and the slowing down. Shes a interesting horse to ride, but a blast just starting to work on some bending, and all that so shes getting there.

Well then, if you use it alot and know how to use it gently, then that is fine.

But here is a tip, don't focuss too much on her head. If you ride her correctly and make sure she is using her body correctly, then her head will just naturally fall into the right place.

All of these things can be (and should be) done in a simple snaffle on a long rein. But that's a discussion for another thread.

My critique is that the horse is in too strong of a bit & the rider is not releasing timely. The horse has no where to hold its head except up, arched & past the vertical. It's not comfortable for the horse and brings a lot of training issues to the forefront.

sorry to kind of hijack this thread, i know practically nothing about western but am i right in saying that shanked bits are only ment to be used with one hand?

You keep making excuses for why you are cranking on your horses head. You are cranking on your horses head. There is no reason for that much contact with that bit. If you are the type of rider who needs that much contact and feels more comfortable with it, then switch bits. In all of the pictures your horse looks uncomfortable because you aren't releasing on her face. You are simply making her mouth even harder. You look like a very stiff rider who needs to relax. On the brighter side you have a very good leg.