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[RC] switching to bit - Marlene MossHi, I am looking at a horse that has been ridden in a hackamore (something called a beetle which I hadn't seen before) and isn't particularly responsive to it. She's been ridden bitless because her teeth had never been done (until today) and there were severe hooks - she's only 6! The person who owned her for most of her life didn't have much of a clue as far as I've heard and her current owner uses voice more than hands and has only ridden her in the area and has zero fear of her somewhat nervous speed. She was going to use her for barrel racing. I'm basically considering her a green horse that's just been started. She had her float today and the vet said I could start her bit training tomorrow. I plan on starting easy, just longing with a bit and some ground work testing her reaction. I'd like some suggestions on good starting bits for a sensitive horse that is new to a bit. I have several to play with. While long term I would like to ride her bitless, I do use my hands fairly actively (I do have soft hands, but active) and one thing I read on the Jessica Jahiel site was that the beetle wasn't a good piece of gear for someone actively with the reins. Does this make sense and if so, is any bitless device specifically better with active hands for long term plans? Anyhow, back to the bit. I generally dislike single jointed bits if I'm having to more strongly communicate with a horse (might be the case in the beginning as I calm her down and get her out on the trail) but I've used and have several basic snaffles like eggbutts. I also have a couple barrel Meyler bits, including the combo bit (which all of my horses have ignored in the past) that I could try. And a solid Mullen mouth. And a Richard Shrake with a little disk in the middle which makes a double joint - but I've heard it discussed as a more advanced bit (which the Meylers probably are as well). One of my horses goes beautifully in a ported roller bit with 5" shanks - and won't even let me put anything else in her mouth. Not what I would consider a starting point though! I really don't know how to find a bit in any other manner than trial and error - and maybe there isn't any better method? I would like to start things off nicely for her (especially since she's probably had pain in her mouth for a while). Does it make better sense to start with a typical eggbutt snaffle or something that I think is nicer but might be "too advanced" for a horse that needs basic training and retraining? If I need to go buy something else, I'd really rather a good direction to go in than trial an error right now (small town that thinks that a Tom Thumb is the only bit you need, plus lack of throwaway funds!). I know this is vague and that there are no definite answers, but I guess I'd just be happy to see some discussion on what types of bits are friendly to sensitive horses and what experiences you have had. Thanks all! Marlene Marlene Moss Saddle Fitting - www.KineticEquineAnalysis.com Boarding/Training - www.LosPinos-CO.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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