[pmclamb]

I just read this...was wondering if it's true. I have a bad habit of believing most of what I read.

"Actually, the minute you attach a french link to an immovable side piece like the eggbutt snaffle or a full cheek, you turn a gentle bit into a very powerful pressure bit. French links should only be used with loose ring cheek pieces that slide. Otherwise you drive the center link into the tongue and it does not release."

 

[xxBarry Godden]

PM
I do admire your intention to learn to ride. I really do.

Had you thought of riding around Orlando looking for a horse riding centre? I hear there are lots.

Go in, get talking with folks wearing riding breeches.
Tell them that you have got access to a nice gentle horse
and then ask them very kindly, if they can come round to your place and help you tack the horse up.
Explain that you are a complete novice but that you love horses and you want to have a go. "You need, repeat need (practice how you can say it appealingly) help".

You never know, someone might take pity on you and if you are half as convivial in person as you are on this forum, then you might get lucky.

Barry G

PS That long suffering horse of yours is a candidate for pulling an angel's chariot.

PPS If you are practising bareback riding, then you need either a thick rubber straight bar bit or a bosal (rope based hackamore). Neither will hurt the horse's mouth.

 

[wild_spot]

"Actually, the minute you attach a french link to an immovable side piece like the eggbutt snaffle or a full cheek, you turn a gentle bit into a very powerful pressure bit. French links should only be used with loose ring cheek pieces that slide. Otherwise you drive the center link into the tongue and it does not release."

Where did you read this? Is it backed up by research?

The point of the french link is to prevent the nutcracker action of the single jointed snaffle. I don't know if the above is true or not, and I tend to use a french link with a loose ring just out of personal preference. However, I don't beleive a french link snaffle of any type should be classified as 'harsh' when used as intended and with consideration.