[HoneyTheQH]

I'm training my horse for barrels, have been for about 6/7 months now. I've been using a snaffle, either a dr bristol that I thought was a french link cause I have blonde moments or a loose ring. She's getting faster and doesn't really listen as well when she's running. I know I should work with her on this and I will, it's just hard cause the arena we practice in, she won't go as fast as she does at shows because she knows the footing isn't great. So I would like to try different options so I don't have to haul on her mouth at shows (not that I do, but I'm still pulling too hard for my liking). My neighbor has a hackamore I could try, so I was thinking either that, or a gag bit, since it works mostly off poll pressure and not mouth. Which would you recommend for barrel racing and gaming? Sorry this is so long winded I tend to ramble . Thanks!!!

[mandiemoo]

i would tend to try the hackamore first. gag bits should only nbe used with really experienced riders (and me saying this doesnt mean that your not an experienced rider, i dont know you ) but if you think your experienced enough to try one then i would but would have your instructor there when you try the hackamore and gag bit. hope this helps

[HoneyTheQH]

Yeah that does help thanks!! I was gonna try the hack first anyways since it's at my neighbors

[mandiemoo]

cool but id have your instructor there with you to help with anything k??

[HoneyTheQH]

Well I don't exactly have an instructor, so that's not really a possibility.....

[mandiemoo]

or someone else experienced around when you try the gag or hackamore, maybe your neighbour

[Belladonna]

just one thing i'd suggest with the hackamore, is that some horses protest to a hackamore and will fight to no end with it. I know abby(my little pocket rocket) hates bits and will get them in her teeth and run, so i changed to a hackamore and she is far more controled now, but shandy(my 3 day eventer) absolutly hates hackamores, she rears and thows her head and paws the ground to no end no matter how kind you are with it. But if i ride her in the same way in a snaffle bit she's fine. It really depends on how the horse likes it. if you're scared of hurting your horse's mouth you could try a rubber coated bit instead.

[Jr.pie]

I feel like I am repeating myself as I just posted this on the "what bit" thread but here goes...This is the bit I used to use on my contest horse It worked well for him as he had control issues as far as always having to hold him back- any other bit and he would grab it and run off..



I have to add that you should not try this bit unless you are VERY careful with it, I'm not saying that you don't know any better, or anything but this bit is quite harsh if you don't have steady light hands.

[HoneyTheQH]

Thanks for the replies guys!! I will be very careful when I try the hackamore with her to make sure she's ok with it. Jr.pie, is that a Wonder Bit? That picture is the kind of gag I was talking about only not a twist cause she hates those and fights them. How much did that cost?

[HoneyTheQH]

Well I tried her yesterday with the hackamore. She seemed to like it ok, wasn't flipping out or anything, but she did shake her head a little when I asked her to stop. Probably because she wasn't used to that kind of pressure. She seemed more relaxed and when I brought her back to a walk from a lengthened trot, she didn't really try to keep going fast like she normally does. So I guess I'll try it a couple more times and see how she likes it then. Wish me luck!!