Barrel Racing Bits?!?

Question

What is the best type of barrel racing bit to use on an experienced barrel horse that has a lot of go?

Answer 1

Talk to a trainer.  It usually depends on your horse.  Some horses have sensitive mouths and like doing what the do (like mine) and some need some extra pressure, so just ask a trainer and I'm sure they can tell you what is right for your horse.

Answer 2

There are many types of bits you can use.  You say the horse is experienced, do you know what sort of bit she is trained to?  I run my mare in a touch plus (sharon camarillo line) bit with a three-piece mouth.  This is a soft bit, but when engaged, gives you a little lift if the horse needs it.  Some horses need a slight port for lift and leverage.  A popular bit is a hackamore called the little s.  Smith Brothers carries a good variety of barrel bits.  A curb bit is good for a horse with a lot of go, as long as you have light hands.  It will give you a quicker response than a snaffle.  I train my horse in a full cheek and condition her with that, but I run with and occassionally train in the touch plus.  There are also bits that are a combination hackamore/bit with the rope nosepiece and a variety of mouthpieces.  If you look up Charmayne Jame's line of bits, she describes the horse type that she uses each on, that might be helpful for you.  This link will show you her line (the short shank gag is similar to what I use.)  http://www.profchoice.com/htmldocs/prd/h...  Good luck!

Answer 3

Well we use a hackamore (bad spelling sorry) because she LOVES to go and doesn't need that much pressureon her mouth, but you might want to try an ordinary snaffle bit.

Answer 4

I would talk to a trainer or two who can reccomend a bit based upon your horse. Every bit is just a little different and a good trainer will reccomend what your horse in particualar needs.

I would try a snaffel to start with and teach him to stop when you ask. Getting a stronger bit may not be the answer.

Answer 5

i would recommend a hackamore for a barrel horse with a lot of go but if your horse has too much go and you cant control him/her i would use a snaffle

Answer 6

im an english rider myself but i know this bit is very popular for barrel racing.

i think its called a wonder bit

http://thmb.inkfrog.com/thumbn/horseproc...

Answer 7

my trainer, her husband, and i use a twisted d- ring snaffle, my mom and my trainer's youngest son use a jr. cowhorse twisted dogbone snaffle. a lot of people use tom thumbs. the woman with the fastest horses in my area uses a smooth loose- ring/ o- ring snaffle.

Answer 8

definitely twisted dog bone snaffle bit.

extremely good, my horse got switched to that and has been doing MUCH better