About the nutcracker action ?

Question

I ride my horse in a 3 ring snaffle because he can be strong at times. However I am concerned about the nutcracker effect and possible pain/damage to the roof of his mouth ( and don't want to strap him up with a too tight flash)

If I changed to a French link mouthpiece will I still have the stopping power when I need it ?

Answer 1

a french link only prevents the bars from hitting the roof of the horses mouth so it wont slow him down it will just make him more comfterable which will make him more calm...i do not suggest a pelham(has the nutcracker action)simply because if ur horse was on a proper diet and training program then he wouldnt be strong or hot at times so its more of a training and managing issue than a bit issue but i just thinkg using a mean bit is mearly a subtitute for the imcompetitance of a rider(not saying u are im just speaking in general)so id say french link YES...pelham NO..

=]] AA good luck

Answer 2

The socalled 3 ring snaffle is not a snaffle at all, it is a gag bit for experienced riders with difficult horses.  If you are an expert rider, it can be very useful, but in the wrong hands it can be do a lot of harm,

Changing to a French link mouthpiece in a 3 ring "snaffle" will ease the nutcracker effect and any associated pain but it will still be a very strong bit.  

Have you considered anything lighter, like perhaps a Baucher snaffle?  Here's a link:

http://esoar.homestead.com/EABchrsnfl.ht...

This bit will act like a snaffle until you need it, then give you more strength when you need it.  You can get it with many different mouthpieces, too.

Many horses won't stop just because you ask them to with your seat, particularly in disciplines like cross country.  They have an over abundance of enthusiasm that has more to do with the thrill of running than too many oats,  These horses are safer when the rider can insist they stop.

Answer 3

Wait do you mean a elevator  bit because that's not a snaffle its a gag.

The nutcracker action is kinda of a myth. Yes it happens. it happens when you push your hands down and break the straight line from bit to elbow. So when you mess up and ruin your position by pushing your hands down to low then yes you are going to cause the nutcracker action but it doesn't happen just riding around.

Answer 4

No bit will give you 'stopping power', it's only a bar of metal attached to some thin leather and we're talking about half a ton of horse. Your training and signals give you the stop.

A french link is milder, and so your horse may well be more inclined to listen to your signals to stop if he is not in pain. You might even be surprised at the effect of a bitless bridle.  

Answer 5

No, you won't have stopping power with a bit.  A horse is stopped with your seat, not a bit.  No bit will give you stopping power.

Answer 6

You have to be firm but if you are turnning him them don't just YANK pull lightly them harder and harder until he does what he is told.

same with stopping.