[dancersmom]

Can you neck rein using a full cheek snaffle? I just recently got a 15 yr old Qtr Horse gelding that has a very soft mouth. I am old school and am more comfortable neck reining. I have an argentine snaffle and a full cheek snaffle. I have no problem purchasing another bit but I was wondering if I could use the full cheek snaffle with bit keepers that I already have. I am not very knowledgeable about bits so any advice would be appreciated. I have also heard that full cheek snaffles can be dangerous because the ends can catch on things but I have bit keepers so I am hoping that would eliminate that possibility.

 

[bsms]

The short answer is "yes".

I know a woman who has used full-cheeks snaffles on all her horses, all her life, without bit keepers, and hasn't had a problem. Others say they HAVE had the ends catch, so it must be possible.

I've only taught neck reining to two horses. One learned in a Billy Allen curb, the other in a snaffle - usually a Billy Allen snaffle, but sometimes a single joint eggbutt. I tend to use D-rings so I don't have to worry about anything catching. This one is well rated and doesn't cost mush:

Western SS Sweet Iron Snaffle D-Ring Bit - Statelinetack.com

This is a curb a number of HF members have used and liked:

Western SS Low Port Futurity Bit - Statelinetack.com

But the lady who loves full cheek snaffles has trained a lot of horses to neck rein over the years, all using full cheek snaffles.

 

[beau159]

Can you neck rein using a full cheek snaffle?

Absolutely.

With CORRECT neck reining, the bit has nothing to do with it because you are not engaging the bit. (or you shouldn't anyway) You simply lay the rein on the horses neck, and also use your seat and leg cues.

If you are pulling hard enough with the reins to engage the bit on the opposite side .... well, you shouldn't be pulling that hard. :wink:

Technically, you can neck rein in any bit, or even without a bit.

 

[dancersmom]

Thank you