Which bit..

Showjumping Hol · 06-22-2008, 03:15 AM

My pony Ruby has a happy mouth bit, which is the bit we got with her, although she doesn't deserve it. She will frequently pull on the reins and once in a fast canter will not stop. It's kinda knocking my confidence. So I was just wondering if you guys could come up with a bit that would work well. Any ideas?

MyBelgianAzzy · 06-22-2008, 03:40 AM

You're going to get a hundred and one responses here telling you to go fix the holes in your training, but...

Since you're losing confidence, I would make a switch as much as for the horse as for your piece of mind. I don't know what kind of Happy Mouth you have, but a Happy Mouth refers to the bit material, not the bit type- so your bit is either a snaffle or a curb. My guess is that it's a snaffle. So not sure what you mean you're thinking about getting a snaffle?

If you're a heavy handed or active handed rider, try a slow twist full cheek. The slow twist has a little more "bite" than a smooth or Happy Mouth snaffle, and the full cheeks will give you more steering power so you can circle her when she starts to motor.

If you're light handed and really feel like there is no semblance of breaks to be had, try a kimberwick. Ask your instructor how to adjust the curb correctly for your pony.

Good luck.

Showjumping Hol · 06-22-2008, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyBelgianAzzy

You're going to get a hundred and one responses here telling you to go fix the holes in your training, but...

Since you're losing confidence, I would make a switch as much as for the horse as for your piece of mind. I don't know what kind of Happy Mouth you have, but a Happy Mouth refers to the bit material, not the bit type- so your bit is either a snaffle or a curb. My guess is that it's a snaffle. So not sure what you mean you're thinking about getting a snaffle?

If you're a heavy handed or active handed rider, try a slow twist full cheek. The slow twist has a little more "bite" than a smooth or Happy Mouth snaffle, and the full cheeks will give you more steering power so you can circle her when she starts to motor.

If you're light handed and really feel like there is no semblance of breaks to be had, try a kimberwick. Ask your instructor how to adjust the curb correctly for your pony.

Good luck.

Thanks.. i know i need to sort out my training regime.. ive just gone downhill

horseyfrk145 · 06-22-2008, 09:22 AM

As far as a good bit to use, I reccomend a slow twist. You can ask your trainer about a Kimberwicke or Pelham, but if she thinks that you shouldn't use it - stick with a softer bit.

Although her taking off in the canter could be resolved using a different training method. What do you do when she gets too fast for you?

CJ · 06-22-2008, 09:31 AM

IMO you might try a rubber padded snaffle. It will have a lil more heft and weight than a Happymouth, but not as much bite as a twist. If the padded doesnt work, consider bumping up to a slo'twist.

horserider001 · 06-22-2008, 02:41 PM

The above suggestions may help but just in case rule out any physical issues, making sure your horses teeth have been properly taken care of and floated. I use a pinchless snaffle bit and my horse has become slower, more accepting of the bit, and we ride with better connection. It is a little expensive, around 40-50 dollars but if you could borrow one and see if it helps it would be a wise investment.

Good Luck!

Abberlaze · 06-22-2008, 07:05 PM

I would actually recommend getting a thin D-ring snaffle made of metal. It's a step between a thick happy-mouth and a twist. Some horses hate the thinness, but it has just a little more bite to encourage her to pay attention.

Good luck!

Showjumping Hol · 06-27-2008, 08:08 AM

Thanks everyone

.. i was talking to my friend today and she said consider getting a hanging cheek snaffle. would this be any good?

luvs2ride79 · 06-27-2008, 08:42 AM

Is a hanging cheek like a Baucher?

If so, then yes, that might be a good choice. Whatever you decide, I would try to borrow a few bits from your trainer or friends so you can try them. Give each bit 2-3 rides before making a judgment on how well it works.

horseyfrk145 · 06-27-2008, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvs2ride79

Is a hanging cheek like a Baucher?

If so, then yes, that might be a good choice. Whatever you decide, I would try to borrow a few bits from your trainer or friends so you can try them. Give each bit 2-3 rides before making a judgment on how well it works.

That is very good advice!!

06-22-2008, 03:15 AM	#1
Showjumping Hol Full Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: England Posts: 156 Images: 3	Which bit.. My pony Ruby has a happy mouth bit, which is the bit we got with her, although she doesn't deserve it. She will frequently pull on the reins and once in a fast canter will not stop. It's kinda knocking my confidence. So I was just wondering if you guys could come up with a bit that would work well. Any ideas? __________________ *It's like I waited my whOle life* *For this One night.* Last edited by Showjumping Hol; 06-22-2008 at 03:46 AM.

06-22-2008, 09:22 AM	#4
horseyfrk145 Senior Member+ Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: H'ville, NC Posts: 5,640 Images: 23	As far as a good bit to use, I reccomend a slow twist. You can ask your trainer about a Kimberwicke or Pelham, but if she thinks that you shouldn't use it - stick with a softer bit. Although her taking off in the canter could be resolved using a different training method. What do you do when she gets too fast for you? __________________ "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." John 7:24 ~BECCA <3 Riley and LuLu!

06-22-2008, 09:31 AM	#5
CJ Senior Member+ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 5,638 Images: 48	IMO you might try a rubber padded snaffle. It will have a lil more heft and weight than a Happymouth, but not as much bite as a twist. If the padded doesnt work, consider bumping up to a slo'twist. __________________ One Mare Can Make a Difference Pinky Ribbon

06-22-2008, 07:05 PM	#7
Abberlaze Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: PA Posts: 865 Images: 22	I would actually recommend getting a thin D-ring snaffle made of metal. It's a step between a thick happy-mouth and a twist. Some horses hate the thinness, but it has just a little more bite to encourage her to pay attention. Good luck! __________________ Too late for second-guessing Too late to go back to sleep It's time to trust my instincts Close my eyes: and leap!

06-27-2008, 08:08 AM	#8
Showjumping Hol Full Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: England Posts: 156 Images: 3	Thanks everyone .. i was talking to my friend today and she said consider getting a hanging cheek snaffle. would this be any good? __________________ *It's like I waited my whOle life* *For this One night.*

06-22-2008, 02:41 PM	#6
horserider001 Full Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: somewhere in michigan Posts: 25	The above suggestions may help but just in case rule out any physical issues, making sure your horses teeth have been properly taken care of and floated. I use a pinchless snaffle bit and my horse has become slower, more accepting of the bit, and we ride with better connection. It is a little expensive, around 40-50 dollars but if you could borrow one and see if it helps it would be a wise investment. Good Luck!

06-27-2008, 08:42 AM	#9
luvs2ride79 Senior Member+ Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Arkansas, USA Posts: 3,880 Images: 26	Is a hanging cheek like a Baucher? If so, then yes, that might be a good choice. Whatever you decide, I would try to borrow a few bits from your trainer or friends so you can try them. Give each bit 2-3 rides before making a judgment on how well it works. __________________ "To be an equestrian in the classical sense is not just to be a rider. It is a position in life." --Charles de Kunffy EquineFriends.com**2HotToTrot.com Anti-Slaughter and PROUD! StopHorseSlaughter.com