Re: RC: RE:

[DESERTRYDR1@aol.com]

I have ridden with a broken (snaffle) mouthpiece with shanks, and curb strap, 
and my mare did not like it one bit!  I believe the broken mouthpiece plus 
the shanks and curb chain put the horse's mouth in a vise.  It is a VERY 
harsh bit.  Other people have not had as much problem with the combination, 
but since I have to get in her mouth a lot to control her (even off by 
ourselves she loves to run!)  it didn't work for us.  I tried a grazing curb 
bit, and she was pretty good in it, then just today for the second time ever 
I tried a mechanical hackamore with a curb STRAP.  She was real good, but it 
doesn't have the stop of the grazing bit.  I'm going to fool with the 
adjustment a bit, and think I can get it to work for her.  She also wanted to 
fight a lot and pitch her head with the broken mouthpiece shank bit, which 
she didn't do with either the grazing bitor the mechanical hack.  Problem is 
it costs a LOT to keep buying new bits.  Try borrowing different ones from 
friends who already made all the purchase mistakes until you find one that 
works.  As far as a martingale, a simple running martingale may work as a 
temporary measure to teach your guy to keep his head out of your face once 
you find a bit he can live with.  just MHO. Good luck, jeri