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I need a gentle bit...any suggestions

2K views 11 replies 8 participants last post by  farley 
#1 ·
So one of my clinets just bought a horse, she is great! but deffinitaly needs a tune up. When I went to go test drive her, She was in a regular show snaffle but I couldnt tell she wasnt happy with it or was just fresh. (she hadnt been touched in months). My client have had her for a month and have worked her regularly. Today I rode her for the first time since her test drive.I put a full cheek snaffle on her (all that my client has for now) and I could tell she wasnt having it, I gave her plenty of rein and since she responds ok to legs and pressure I wasnt on her mouth, she stops ok to siting deep and saying Whoa so only slight pressure was applied while stopping.
I have thought about switching to a Hack since she responds nicely to the legs and such. But she is still alittle pushy and fresh. I have also thought about going back to a side pull for awhile (for control ) until I trust her a little better. Or is there another bit out there that is gentle and effective, that she may like?
 
#7 ·
First question, has the owner had the horse's teeth checked by a dentist?

Second, will the horse let you look in her mouth to see what her basic mouth conformation is. If she has a very low palate or a very thick tongue, she may actually prefer a thinner bit with more than one joint or even a mullen type. If her mouth is deep, then adjusting the bit to the corners of her mouth may be interfering with her teeth...or the same thing could be happening if her mouth is very shallow.

What exactly is she doing when you try to pick up contact? Is she bracing? Rooting out? Head slinging? Chomping? Evading completely?
 
#8 ·
I will look into her mouth next I am out there I never really thought about doing that but thanks!
she is find as long as I am dont have pressure on her mouth. I know some horses with fidget or fight the bit when they are just standing there she doesnt do that. And she kind of slings it. she is very soft in the mouth and will flex easily to either side but I noticed if I guided her through a turn she would pull away from it, she also grabbed it a few times and tossed her head as if I was holding her head too tight when I had a loose rein. She also lifted her head high a few times as if she was going to yawn but never did. She just seemed distracted by it and I could tell she was uncomfortable.
 
#11 ·
She may need her teeth checked for starters.

Just because she flexes side to side, doesn't mean she's been taught to 'give' while moving.

From a stand still, start teaching her to 'give' vertically, by taking up the reins slightly, toward your knees, and don't release until she softens, and gives at the poll...start with just a little contact, and gradually ask for more, and ask for longer. At first release as soon as she gives, but as she gets the concept, wait a little longer to 'throw the reins' back to her, and give her rubs and praise.

When she has that down, start doing the same at the walk, take up the reins slightly, and wait for her to give, if she stops, ask her to walk on, and once a gain take up the reins and wait for that give at the poll...when she gives, release the reins, and praise her. Rinse, wash, repeat, until you can hold your reins at your 'give' position and she remains in that position without arguing. And so on and so forth until she can do so at trot, and canter...you don't move on, until she is solid at the stand still, walk, etc...
 
#12 ·
O sorry Yes she has been vet checked and teeth check she is fine there. S
She is soft in the neck and poll and will flex nicely she also collects beautifuly on occasion. And is fine as long as were not moving, she collects while riding sometimes(mind you she is rusty) but gets fussy through turns and if I take her head to increase a stop, she Stops decently by sitting deep and saying Whao, but I would like a quicker stop.

some back ground on her:

She was rode regularly in drill, cutting and pleasure until eight months ago and was neck reined almost her whole riding career. So I think its been awhilke since she has had to actually respond to a bit. But she is rusty and sometimes ignors me or doesnt respond as quickly or smooth as I would like her to.

So I think I should either take her make to a side pull as to help with control with out pullin on her mouth, or find another soft bit but one that she is more comfortable with.
 
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