Re: RC: Bitting Question - Trail vs Dressage Usage

["Truman Prevatt, PhD" <truman.prevatt@netsrq.com>]

Can't you show in dressage with a snaffle with a solid mouth piece?  If that
is the case you could do both with the same bit. My wife is taking dressage
lessons and riding trial with the same bit - a solid mouth piece snaffle.
Also if you are not planning on showing in dressage it matters little which
bit you use.

Truman

Ruth Abair wrote:

> Dear Ridecampers,
>
> I have a 5yo Arabian - broken and coming along nicely - I would like to
> do endurance and "basic" dressage with. Problem; I fear I'm confusing
> him with the switching of bits for each discipline. He was
> broken/trained in a snaffle - the one with the nutcracker effect - and I
> switched him to a Kimberwicke - the "uxeter" - slotted, mullen mouth,
> minimum leverage model - for the trails. Works good, but is not
> acceptable for basic dressage. So for the ring, I started using a
> snaffle with a "french link." It's more comfortable to him than the
> regular snaffle. Nonetheless, I am fearful he is becoming confused with
> the switching - signals, feel/pressure, etc. - of bits. How does one
> switch bits - back and forth - between trail and dressage work, without
> confusing one's horse? Or do they? All comments are most welcome!
>
> Ruth Abair in Texas
> email: shakesbearides@texoma.net
>

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