[stargazerLily]

How do you know when it's time to move bits? My horse started training this summer in a heavy donut ring twisted snaffle bit and has been in this since May. I asked the trainer about changing back in July/August, and at that time it was decided not to after trying a different bit for a day (more like an hour). I have since asked a couple more times when to switch, and have never got a solid answer. Recently I asked the new riding instructor and she said the trainer has said no, but she couldn't remember the reason. But yesterday I was at congress with my old riding instructor and mentioned we were still riding in the donut bit and her jaw hit the ground and she wanted to know why.

I have conflicting answers, so I figured I would ask here. When do you know it's time to switch bits, and what should I switch to when it's time.

We also have a problem with my horse always flipping her tongue over the bit. I normally ride her in a cavesson because if I don't, she will get her tongue over the bit and not pay any attention to me. She can still get her tongue over with the cavesson, but not so much. How can I get her to stop this?

[GottaRide]

I would say that if the horse has been in this bit for 5 months and is still having problems keeping her tongue under the bit that this is not the right bit for her. What bit do you want to transition her to?

[Moostang]

You say you started training in a heavy donut ring twisted snaffle bit, you mean you completely started her as in a first bit or you started a specific discipline? That is a harsh bit to start with.
I guess the question is what is your goal, are you looking to show western or english. What are your show goals (what classes/level do you want to show)? How does she respond to your leg/seat commands? Is this horse used to being on the bit or loose rein? Overall how would you describe how much control you have over her from a walk to a gallop to a halt?

[GotaDunQH]

Originally Posted by GottaRide

I would say that if the horse has been in this bit for 5 months and is still having problems keeping her tongue under the bit that this is not the right bit for her. What bit do you want to transition her to?

I agree...sounds like to doesn't like the tongue pressure of a snaffle. Something with a small shank, swivel sides and a baby port might be more her thing...IF the horse is responding to leg cues/yielding off the leg.

A side note...the twisted wire part doesn't bother me so much as long as the hands are giving and not punishing. I use a twisted wire on my horse a couple times a month. There ARE people that will use them as intimidation and will sore the corners of the lips (which is wrong), but if aren't using this "tactic" in training...there is nothing wrong with them.

Jennifer

[MuckMuck]

I am always looking for "The perfect bit" when I train and if I feel that a change will help my communication with the horse that I am working with OR the maneuver that I am working on,then I change the bit.
I do not feel that a horse has to be married to the bit that is in use at all.

I like to expose my horses to tools that they can understand and work with.
If I have a horse that is having trouble with their tongue,then I might change out to something with a lot of tongue relief for a few rides and put a nose band on to remind them to keep their mouth shut.
If there is still a problem with the horse "Packing" the bit,then I might just take the reins off and have the horse wear the bit more to get the feel of the mouthpiece and that might be done in the stall where I can keep an eye on them.

[stargazerLily]

She is/was in training for western pleasure. I say was because she has not been in training for the last couple months due to being pregnant. I'm not sure what bit she was started out in, but when I bought her, she was in the heavy donut twisted snaffle. I want her to do english as well, but she will start showing western.

She is not consistant with leg/seat ques, but does pretty well, and needs a little assistance/reminder with using the reins and bit.

[GottaRide]

Your horse is pregnant?

How old is your horse?

Since the horse is not in training at the moment, you should be able to do what you wish with her (assuming you're still riding her on your own w/o trainer). Why is changing the bit such an issue? Do what you feel is right for your horse.

[Moostang]

Since you want to do both english and western I would personally move into a standard D-Ring bit or another show legal bit (not sure if that current bit is, but probably doesn't look nice for the show ring), then once she works better off your seat and legs then you can try the curb bit for western.