Bit Information (Snaffle and English-Type Bits)

Thanks, I'm not planning on riding in it. I was just wondering.

Not sure how to search this thread to see if somebody already has a question like this one....

I am using an o ring snaffle for trail ridding. Dolly does fine until we are on the way back and she wants to hurry up. I can keep her in a walk/trot but when she canters I have a very hard time getting her to slow down. I turn her around and go the other way. Well my question is should I use a different bit? I feel like no matter how much I tell her to slow down she doesnt listen like the bit isnt there. I was told a wonder bit???

Hi Annie54, thanks for your question.
In your situation, a stronger bit will only frustrate your horse, and might cause a very unsafe situation. There are a lot of threads on this forum regarding slowing a horse down - it's all in training. You want your horse to listen to your seat and legs, and collect the energy with your reins. With a stronger bit, your horse might start tossing its head, or evading the bit completely, control of your horse's speed comes from the body; the head is just a hood ornament, more or less. I hope that helps! If I can think of some threads to help you, I'll link you to them.

I need a bit with more stopping power..

Bit help? Horse doesn't like to turn!

Thanks... I have no idea what to do... everbody that ride in my town tell me to get a bit with a shank. I guess I could try circles with this bit. I can only ride on the weekends so it may take a while :(

Thanks for the information!!!

A bit will only be a band-aid for the problem, and you'll find that you'll keep needing more and more severe bits. Using a bit to control a horse (especially for speed) is relying on pain to control the horse. Instead, you want to learn how to control the horse's energy with your own body, if that makes sense. Even riding once per week, if you're being consistent and have help to show you exactly what to do, you will see improvement.

Here is a very good thread started by a very well respected member of this forum. http://www.horseforum.com/horse-training/will-your-horse-respond-your-bit-62456/

Good news! I rode earlier for a little over an hour. I rode away from the barn toward the cotton field. I turned around before I was around the field and as soon as we are around the corner closest to the barn she starts to pick up speed so I turn her around and go away from the barn... I did this over and over only if she started to trot. I did some circles too. After about 45 minutes I got her to walk to the barn I feel like I have a lot more control over her now! Over all I think she did great!

Fantastic!