Do I need a new bit??

I'm thinking of getting a new bit for Jubilee. Right now she just has a plain old snaffle. Downwards transitions with her are difficult, but I find it works more when I use my seat more than my hands to slow her down. However, I was thinking that maybe she needs a bit more pressure. Not to make it painful, just little tugs that will get her to respond better. I kind of think that the snaffle is too soft for her. She doesn't chew on it much. She's very quiet with it. I don't know ... I'm kind of torn. But she's a dressage horse and so maybe she's used to more complicated bits?? I'm not thinking of getting anything fancy. I thought maybe just something a step up from a snaffle? Like a full-cheek snaffle maybe? I'm not very experienced with different kinds of bits. What do you guys think. New bit? Or stick with the old?

I think the fact she doesn't chew the bit and very quiet means she's happy with the bit. Full cheek won't make any difference except little more power to turning (that's what many trainers prefer when they put youngsters on bit). If you have full control I'd just stick with the old bit.

As for her being the dressage horse... My neighbor's dressage horse rides in french snaffle. She doesn't have problems and doesn't need complicated bits for sure. :)

I would say that if it ain't broke don't fix it! If she's responding to your seat and happy with the bit I would just practice driving with your butt more.....I really think of the bit as an aid not the steering wheel....I want my horse to respond to my legs and butt more than relying on the bit to get my message through.

Thanks guys for your input. Yes, she seems happy with it. But it's hard for me to get a nice green foam on her lips and the other day I did a lot of softening, bends, half-halts, etc. Shouldn't a horse be chewing on it, working it, getting a nice foam going? Maybe I'm wrong I don't know ...

Dumas, I do agree about not fixing what isn't broken, LOL. Just undecided still ...

You can try "tasty" bit. I mean the one with copper inlays or german silver or sweet iron. Than it makes them salivate more. Some horses don't seem to like the taste, but both mine prefered german silver/copper over stainless steel.

Well said, Dumas! I agree. :)
I think that the bit is an aid, yes. But your seat & how you are balanced really gives the horse direction. Especially with your legs.

Just because your horse isn't slobbering like a rabid dog doesn't mean that they don't like the bit they have in their mouths....As a matter of fact.... I don't really remember any of my western horses slobbering like a lot of english horses do. That being said... I just bought Dumas a new bit that is the exact same as his old one it just has copper rollers on it now....The old one was getting rusty and really crappy looking... I guess I'm saying here that I did upgrade when I replaced the bit... but only because he could use a new one.. not because I wanted a wetter mouth or harsher bit.

I would not go to a harsher bit... maybe one with inlays might be better for slobbering but I would rather see you spend that money on a pretty new pad ( I have seen a TON of darling english pads...) or a set of new reins or somthing like that.....lol...but that's just my opinion.


I went to a John Lyons clinic one time and he gave me an Ahaaa. Moment..... Your horse was started on a snaffle....which is when they are the toughest and don't know anything....right...so why wouldn't your horse get better with age? Do we get dumber as we get older? No of course not....so....the bit is fine...its your butt that needs work. <---totally said to make you smile... I'm not being harsh

If she is a well trained dressage horse, she should be trained to respond to your seat and very little to the bit. Do you have access to a trainer by any chance?

Even the best of us need a little boost from a trainer from time to time. He can give you a few pointers and send you on the right track. I would stay away from a different bit. Keep using what she is used to, it will be a lot more comfortable for her and you :)

Ok, well I think you guys pretty much convinced me that she doesn't need a harsher bit. She's very soft already and she's responding well with to my seat and legs anyway.

My2Geldings - No, I do not have a trainer right now. Money is tight for me as I only have a part-time job and am paying for all my horse things myself. However, I would love to get a couple lessons this summer, just to get some guidance. I haven't had lessons for almost a year now. I miss them!

I really think you did the right decision. She is lucky to have some who actually thinks for themselves. Give it time, it won't be long before you can get a few lessons to freshen up things.

Enjoy the nice weather!