Got a picture of the bit that came with the little horse, so maybe those who recognize this bit and have more experience can help me know if it will be okay in jerky kid hands at 4H. I'm actually hoping that the 4H Leader will be okay with me leading and reins attached to halter, as we've been doing on our rides, since child is still needing to gain a lot of balance. Turns out for balance to be noticeably harder for kids who haven't had the opportunities of gymnastics and ballet.
Have decided to stick with western saddle, since got good advice on that subject and other kids looked like were dressed in western gear. Pretty funny, 5 little girls there, almost each with a mom and grandma, so we adults are more into this than the kids, maybe. Now to find this little girl a pair of western boots, as forgot to look last week when I had gone to the bigger town. Had been looking for a gentle snaffle bit (no pony-size available at feed store) and totally slipped my mind that wanted to check discount store for boots.
Slow to get this 4H going, apparently, as leader had to be out of town last week, but actually better for me, as have too many other things to do so twice weekly with kids is all I'm commiting to.
Bottom line, do you think this bit will be okay?
PS: Changed avatar so you'll know there actually is a cute little horse
That actually is a snaffle bit. It's called a half cheek snaffle. It's used frequently in driving, I believe. It should be okay. The only thing that would make it more mild would be if it had another joint in the middle (making it a three-piece snaffle).
Thanks so much to all of you! I am so relieved to know this bit is a snaffle and will work.
That's actually a friends grandson (6 yo) on the little horse, the girl I'm taking to 4H is much bigger at 11 years old, but still a good size. It has been having my friends' grandkids over to lead around that has allowed me to see what a huge difference ease of obtaining balance is for kids who have more advantages and opportunities, even things like x-c skiing for boys helps immensely. Am hoping this will be a big confidence builder for my neighbor girl and her brothers (ages 10 and 15), who will get to learn and practice whatever skills we come home with.
It's a very simple bit, in fact if you had a different ring (got rid of the "stick" part) it would be THE most basic bit you will see around. Which is good, if your horse likes it, which almost all do . As far as the "stick" part (does it have a name?) that's not at all a bad thing, at most it's unnecessary, but it's not hurting anything. As mentioned it's usually seen in driving, but that doesn't mean anything bad.
A good choice! I know pony bit shopping can be tough!
I loved the llama, but the pony is pretty darn cute!!
Lucky you! You don't have to buy a new saddle or a new bit. How often does that happen?
If the pony listens well in that bit, it will be great for a beginning child. If she accidentally pulls on the reins for balance, a mild bit like that is less likely to hurt the pony.
Good luck to you three at 4H! I'm curious to hear who ends up learning the most.
"If the pony listens well in that bit, it will be great for a beginning child. If she accidentally pulls on the reins for balance, a mild bit like that is less likely to hurt the pony."
My thought as well, there is no need for anything beyond the absolute basics for a lead line pony
I would check with the 4-H rules to see what is ok to use. When I was in 4-H they had a rule that snaffles were ok for horses under 5 years old, but once moved to a curb or over 5 years old they had to be in a curb bit. I don't know if that is a rule in your area, but I just thought I would add that. Good luck with 4-H! I learned so much from it.
Also DraftyAiresMum is correct. That is a half cheek snaffle. Typically used in driving because a full cheek is more likely to get caught in the harness when in a pair. At least that is what I have heard.
The child is still leadline so I can't imagine them requiring a curb. I'd be curious if they do or not. That's more of a training thing then teaching kids to ride thing. Plus if the horse is ridden English then it won't have a curb.
Thanks for the heads-up on fact they might want curb bit if going to be western riding. Would be something new for the pony to get used to, and seems like it might be harsh in kid hands, so hope we can use what we have for awhile. Will find out on Tuesday and make a new thread! Got a little pair of western style boots with a good heel at Wal-Mart today. Not very fancy, but we'll see how this goes before investing too much more.
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
The Horse Forum
3.4M posts
92.6K members
Since 2006
A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!