I need some Bit Help!?!?!?!?

Question

Ok. I have a FAST arab mare and i currently am using a twisted snaffle for training and a medium port correction bit for my rodeos. She has a big stop if she is collected and under herself (the correction helps with getting her butt under her and i occasionally use a pair of draw reins with the twisted snaffle to help with her collection and headset). She is EXTREAMLY high headed and it has been a ongoing battle, but has gotten better.... slowly. I was wondering what sort of bit i should look into. I would like one that helps with the headset and has strong curb action. Need anymore details PLEASE ask.

Answer 1

try maybe a pelham or kimberwicke straitbar or broken... broken are a bit easyer on them

Answer 2

a tom thumb snaffle training bit or any tom thumb bits are good for that. also maybe try a tie down. tie downs will elp with high heads throwing heads, solves alot of attention problem sometimes too

Answer 3

I don't know much about harsher bits because i have always believed that all horses CAN be ridden in the simplest bit and that most problems can be solved by simplifying the bit rather than making it harsher. But, if you want your horse to ride with her head lower DONT use a single jointed snaffle, the nutcracker action will make her raise it higher. My horse rides with his head very high and I use a french link, but it sounds like your horse might need something a bit harsher so I would try a dr. bristol mouthpiece (you can get it twisted too for a harsher alternative) because it is double jointed. I don't have experience with pelhams or some other ones mentioned but if you were to use one i would recommend one that is a straight bar or i have seen pelhams that also have the two joints--i just seriously recommend staying away from single jointed bits

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp...

(twisted full cheek dr.bristol)

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp...

(d ring dr. bristol)

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp...

(double jointed pelham)

Answer 4

Twisted wire is a harsh bit to use all the time. However, teach her to use the muscles with her head down on a longe line with side reins and a snaffle only trot or canter never walk with her head tied in posion less its  under the girth and loose. start with 5 min ea direction and move up gradually. connect the longe line to a halter over the bridle. then go back to basics when riding teaching her to bend at the poll and put her head down. then move up in speed practicing the same thing. you can also use a german martingale to keep here head in position when riding. If all esle fails you can try a over the poll tiedown, not a nose one.

Answer 5

Try a standing martingale (it will help the headset). If you are really having issues try a pelham w/ a curb chain. I will warn you that it is a very severe bit and should not be used by an inexperienced rider (not saying you are one).