Re: Bitting question

["Sandy Bolinger" <bolinger@bigsky.net>]

Angie..Rio did use the Tellington Jones bit.  I used it on my maniac most of
his career(Maestro)It does look like a killer but I guess they all are when
in the wrong hands.  I love the bit because there are so many different
control settings!  And the horses love the copper roller mouth piece. He
never did master the art of eating grass with it in his mouth...which I
didn't like..He never did quit pulling...but just not quite as hard..Since I
retired Maestro I've been riding all sorts of different horses and I use it
on most of them.  I have a mare who, for the life of me I couldn't get
collected...she is real easy going and I can ride her with a string around
her neck...Once I started used the LTJ bit she became round and collected
and the length of her stride increased dramatically..
I never have mastered the sponging-on -the- fly...so I can't really tell you
how much having four reins is going to hinder your technique...I ride allot
with all four reins in one hand (on my easy going mare!) Just make sure you
reins aren't too fat ;o)

----- Original Message -----
From: Rides 2 Far <rides2far@juno.com>
To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2001 8:07 PM
Subject: RC: Bitting question


> I know this is going to get me preached at, but I'll start simply.  I've
> lost the address for the place that has a wide selection of 4 3/4" bits.
> If you have a good source I'd like to know about them.
>
> Now. I'm looking at trying another bit on Kaboot.  He's getting stronger
> every day and what we're doing isn't working.  When he *wants* to be he
> can be very light on a snaffle bit with a running martingale. He's a
> dream after 70 miles or so. >g<  Trouble is he's a weird mix.  He wants
> to pull on the snaffle, but the slightest leverage goes a LONG way with
> him...he tends to over react.  The only leverage I've used on him is the
> short shanked, wide flat noseband English hackamore Teddy sells.  Though
> it's really very mild (I've even wrapped the biothane curb strap with vet

> wrap) he acts like it's severe and will respond, but it makes him
> furious.  I feel like it puts more pressure on his chin than his noseband
> so he has a tendency to lift his nose slightly with it, whereas he
> travels with his head low in the snaffle, and even lower when he's
> pulling me in it.  It's easier to steady his *big* trot with the snaffle.
>  I like the contact, but my shoulders are starting to be too
> overdeveloped for women's clothes. :-P
>
> I'm interested in suggestions for a short shanked leverage bit.  I'm even
> considering double reins though I think it's asking a little much when
> I'm trying to sponge on the fly.  When I looked in my files I ran across
> a testimonial for the Lynda Tellington-Jones T-Touch bit.  I remember
> that it looks like a real killer, but people swear that it actually
> softens the horse.  I recall at the convention last year being concerned
> that it was wide (probably 5") but they assured me it would work well.
> I'd be curious to try one for 10 minutes.  Anybody with an equine
> delinquent like mine had success with it? Was that what they used on Rio?
>
> My Welsh ponies go best in a mild grazing curb but the largest I've got
> is 4 1/2 and it's too small for Kaboot. I think I'll order a 4 3/4 of one
> of those first.  Anybody got any advice?  Favorites?
>
> Angie (who had a blast doing speed work today, regardless)
>
>
>
>
>
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