Will your horse respond to your bit?

I'd be happy with this frame. He is not built to tuck his nose in and he felt good here.

Thank you Smrobs...very useful post

It's funny, because I tried a mild curb on my mare this morning, and she didn't seem to care for it at all...she was tense, and 'hyped' up. I don't know if it has anything to do with how she was ridden prior to me acquiring her, but definitely confirmed to me that she is not ready for one yet, either. She responds very well in a French Link Full cheek, and I've been riding her lately in a D-Ring, and she likes that too. Now if this was 10 years ago, I probably would have wigged out, and thought OMG she needs a harsher bit...now on the contrary, I feel a horse needs to go back down to a snaffle when they aren't responsive to a curb. Funny how time, and education teach you much needed stuff.

Yep, I went through that with one of my green horses just this summer. She had been ridden before (and had some horrible habits because of it) so I progressed her a bit quickly up into the curb. I mean, after all, she did have 30 days "professional" training on her already *eyeroll*. I rode her in that for about 5 minutes before I decided that she wasn't anywhere near ready for that so back down to the snaffle she went. After a few more rides in the snaffle, I felt she was ready and transitioned her up again and it went off without a hitch. Nice and soft, responsive to the flick of a rein, and relaxed.

Churum, he looks good there. He is relaxed but attentive and seems to be moving out nicely. I wasn't suggesting that you start buying all different kinds of bits to see which one works. By all means, give him a shot with the one you were planning on first and see how it goes. I hope it works well for both of you. I was just kinda brainstorming on what else might be an option if nothing else works.

Glad I'm not the only one who's had that problem! She is SOOOO calm and relaxed with the snaffles, and although she started out calm with the curb, she quickly seemed to get confused, which upset her more...so back to the snaffle, and she was fine. I don't show in 'upper level' shows, so I really don't care if she ever transitions back to a curb; of course I will keep trying down the road, but I don't necessarily need it for gymkhana, or trail riding, ya know? She goes bitless, as well.

Unfortunatley to try em ya gotta buy em. The trainer FINALLY called me back just now and said he is still in the gag bit and will have an answer for me this week when I come to get him. I am not one to wait untill the last minute so I am a little concerned.

This link doesnt work for me with I click on it , any way to show it and where to buy one?
Thanks

Here, let me try. Also, don't let the low price tag shock you. The most I have paid for a bit of this type is $25 and I have never been disappointed by it's quality.

Pinchless Low Port Reining Bit - Statelinetack.com

Thanks very much, I still have been searching for a shank bit. Both of my horses are ridden in full cheek snaffles. I wouldn't change them except they need a shank bit to be ridden in 4H shows.
I don't want to get off the subject of the thread but I am seriously thinking about buying this.
I have a TT, I do not want to use it!

Yep that is it. Got mine here at Pinchless Low Port Reining Bit - Horse.com

Same price and nice quality. We don't show or anything like that so there is not need to go out and pay $50 somewhere else for practically the same bit.