Keep switching from curb to snaffle?

Question

My 12 year old horse is ridden western and english. I have an english bridle with an eggbutt snaffle and a western with a curb. He was always ridden in a curb until recently, and I haven't ridden him western since. Would it be okay to keep switching from the snaffle to the curb if I plan on riding him western again? Or will it just confuse him?

Answer 1

If he goes fine in both don't worry about it. I have a polo pony and I switch from a curb, to a snaffle, to a gag depending on what discipline I'm doing. My mare does fine with it.

Answer 2

Either bit is fine.  The horse won't be confused - remember all horses are started in a snaffle (or ought to be).  As long as your hands are quiet, it doesn't matter what bit you use (with a few exceptions).  Bits are only as harsh as the hands in which the reins are sitting.

Personally I prefer a snaffle, single or French link for most horses.  A mullen mouth curb or one with a low port is fine.

Answer 3

ya know, I kind of agree with gallop, if you are just pleasure riding, trail riding and not showing, stick to one, the snaffle is a great, gentle bit and it tends to keep your horses mouth softer, more supple and responsive, I ride all my horses in a plain copper mouth d or O ring snaffle when not showing in a WP class that requires me to ride in a shanked bit, I tune them up a week before a show and then hang it back up. Your horse will be more consistent and you can ride both disciplines English and western in a snaffle.

Answer 4

It's really not about the horse...it's about the training of your hands.  Because you have asked, I suggest you stick with the snaffle and retire the curb.

Answer 5

if he rides in both, then SURE! keep it that way its MUCH better..

many horses that do multiple disciplines switch...

you just have to make sure to do a little bit longer of a warm up on the first "switch" day, working alot at the walk bending, circling just getting him used to the different bit..

though, if your just riding western at home then you COULD ride him in a snaffle for that too.. but showing and at his age the curb would be necessarily.