I have been using an egg butt snaffle on my stallion. Even at the rides. I'm
not a small person so have never really been concerned about him overpowering
me. But recently a health situation has caused my arms and especially hands to
ache terribly after riding. I thought it was just part of the deal if I wan'ted
to continue riding. However, when I went to a clinic this past weekend with my
boyfriend the teacher let me try his bit with a hand noted headstall.
All I can say is WOW. What a difference it made. I can ride around with a
loose rein most of the time.
It's a type of Monte Foreman snaffle bit with a port. Used with a martingale.
I bought the whole thing on the spot. At that point I didn't care what it cost
if it meant I could ride as long as I wanted without hurting afterwards or
hurting Mirage. We rode hard all weekend and my hands were fine.
Last weekend I went riding with my boyfriend and let him use my gear on his
horse so he would have control. (He is just learning to ride from the clinic).
I used my old gear on Mirage thinking we were going slow and it wouldn't be too
bad. WRONG.
Since he had some time to "store" up some energy he wanted to see the new trail
at a much faster speed then his little quarter horse friend could handle. Spent
4 hours holding him back.
That was Sat. Today is Tue and I can still hardly type, my hands and arms are
so sore.
Of course I rode on Sun with my gear to see if the clinic was a fluke. Went
with a group of gaited horses. Once again we were back to a loose rein. Mirage
just trotted along like a good boy. No pulling.
I can hardly wait for our first ride in May.
BTW summer has arrived in Palm Springs. It was over 100 every day last week.
And we seem to have TICKS this year. Who invited them, I'd like to know?
Thought it was too hot for them here. Maybe when it gets to 125 they'll pack
their bags for the north.
Alexandra and Mirage