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[RC] Bitting question - Thanks TOO! - JonniMary posted: I am curious though, because the responses came back to TRAINING; does ANYONE use anything BUT a snaffle bit on the competitive/endurance/LD rides? <<< You will see every kind of bit/ bitless and bridle set up imaginable at rides. Some riders understand the reason and purpose of what headgear they have on their horse, while others do not. A snaffle can be one of the most harsh bits on a horse, if not used properly, or in the wrong set of hands. One common mistake I see, is that some riders feel they are doing their horse "right" and being "kind" by riding in a snaffle, but they have a pretty much run away horse the whole ride, that they are tugging and pulling on for 25 or 50 miles. How kind is that? Besides training issues, yes, a bit change is often in order. A horse in a bit that offers more control for THAT horse, where the rider does not have to tug and pull on its mouth all day would probably be more kind than one the horse is running through. Some riders can ride in a rope halter, and have control over the horse, while others get out on the trail and find that while the horse was great in the arena at home, now on the trail with a bunch of other horses, they have no control what so ever, and have become a hazard to themselves, and those around them. You need to find what works for you and your horse, in trail riding situations. If a riders hands are rough, any bit can cause problems. Often you can borrow bits from friends to try, before you buy something. Don't be sold in to any one type of bridle by any trainer. There is NO one single type of bit (or bitless) which is right for all horse and rider combos. And again, don't think you are being kind to your horse by using any certain device. Any bit that is kind while just hanging in the mouth (meaning well fitting etc.) can be kind on the trail if used correctly, and is correct for THAT horse. Ask around at your barn to try some different bits. Look for maybe a mullen mouthpiece (also called Sweetwater by some western riders), low ports, maybe some Mylar bits, and see if you find one that works for you and the horse. But ask and try to understand the function of each bit, and how it works, where the pressure is applied etc. Become educated on bits and bridles as much as you can, to choose the right one for YOU. Jonni =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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