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Re: [RC] Bits - I'm Confused - Laney HumphreySounds like he needs some retraining so he'll perform the way you want him to. To make sure you've got all your bases covered, get him seen by a for-real equine dentist. This might be a vet who has taken extra courses in equine dentistry or a non-vet with special training who works under a vet's supervision. Whoever you hire, make sure they know how to get all the way back to the rear of the horse's mouth and that they can remove teeth and create a bit seat if necessary. A horse with a happy mouth can be much more cooperative because he isn't in pain! Then experiment with bits and start retraining.Laney cschiro@xxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote: Are there certain bits out there that tend to work with horses in the ER/CTR sports to encourage them to have a low(er) head and stretch out (versus being high-headed and it a collected frame)? I don't know that much about bits and trying to educate myself, but there are soooo many different kinds and variations - I'm sooo confused. I know different bits put pressure on different area and can raise or lower the head. I have an arabian I just bought a few weeks ago. Last weekend I tried 4 or 5 bits on him in the arena to see what his reaction was. He went ballistic (very high-headed, head-throwing, couldn't stop/slow him, no directional control) with a Dr. Bristol double-jointed snaffle and also an English Hackamore. He seemed to be fine in a solid D-ring with a roller in the middle but because it appeared to be very gentle bit and had no curb chain, I felt it didn't have the extra control if I need it. I am currently riding him in a Uexeter Kimberwick (solid bit with lowport) with a curb chain (has to stay loose or he goes ballis tic). He seems ok in the Kimberwick but he sometimes throws his head up when I try and halt or slow him down at a walk or trot (doesn't do this at a canter) - and this is why I am investigating different bits. The Kimberwick is also a heavy bit. Previous owners said they used a Argentine Snaffle on him. I'm not sure how HE like it but they successfully completed a 25 mile ER. He is used to trotting and cantering/galloping everywhere (previously, before me), so sometimes I have difficulty keeping him in check when cantering (he'll take off like a speeding bullet), so I definetly want some "brakes" if I need them. I want to stay away from medium or high ports and jointed bits because he seems to hate these when I tried them with him. Any suggestions? Anybody know anything about/use Weymouth bits or a Pelham with a bit converter (so you can use one set of reins instead of two sets)? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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