My vacation business in nearly all "english" bitted horses, nearly all in
egg-butt snaffles, some in jointed pelhams, just a few in mild mechanical
hackamores. All my dressage horses are in snaffles, of course. When the
horses are being ridden on trail, they are encouraged to carry their heads
in a natural manner, ie, poll higher than withers, nose in front of the
verticle, ridden on light or loose contact. (They are nearly all Arabs,
Russian Orlov crosses, Thoroughbreds, etc,...no quarter horses or other
breeds which are commonly asked to carry heads poll low and behind the bit)
I ask even my "experienced" clients not to really put the horse "on the bit"
ie. on the aids, for many hours of trail work, as these are very experienced
trail horses who prefer quite a degree of freedom in their head and neck as
they negotiate varied footings. Needless to say, when we are cantering 20
abreast on the beach towards home, folks use whatever amount of rein and
other controlling aids is appropriate. However, in general, I believe most
horses are most comfortable with the bit adjusted loose enough not to
wrinkle their lips, and given correct training and riding techniques, we
don't have a problem with horses opening their mouths, getting tongues over
the bit, or being annoyed by clanks on the tusks.
I didn't mean to imply that it would be cruel and unusual punishment to have
a wrinkle in your horse's mouth! Just that I see as many bits adjusted too
tight as too loose...and either can cause discomfort.
Lari
Lari Shea http://www.horse-vacation.com
Ricochet Ridge Ranch Riding Vacations on the Mendocino Coast with
24201 North Highway One Lodging at Unique B&B Inns; International Riding
Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Akhal Teke and Russian Orlov/cross horses
707-964-7669ph/ 707-964-9669 fax At stud: RRR Stolichnaya & RRR Russia