Proper Bit? Please help?

Question

I need to find the right bit. I'm scared to ask my trainer she would eat me alive,don't ask lol. My horse frames up nicely at the walk, and does O.K. at the trot, but my hands have to be very low and to my sides, hard to do when im showing eq. I heard the double reins/bit would be good to make her frame and I can keep my hands up but I can ruin her mouth completely. I Need a bit that will make her frame walk trot canter/fences not having my hands down- She is very hard to frame, been through lessons to help, dont work. But- My horse has a sensitive mouth and she is an overall good girl. I cant get double reins and all that. I need one bit to do the job. It needs to be safe for sensitive horses, keep her framing 24/7 and I need my hands to be up, not asking to lower with my hands down. We finished hunters. Suggestions Appreciated!

Answer 1

I think you should stick to a snaffle.  You might even want to try a bit that has some copper in it, as it will help your horse accept the bit.  I am sure her frame can be corrected.

First, know that you should never sacrifice your position for your horse.  Keep your hands in the correct place no matter what she does.

Now, start by working the bit.  Squeeze the left rein, then the right, then the left, right, etc. with gradually increasing pressure.  As soon as she puts her head down stop squeezing the reins.  If she has her head up, squeeze them again until she has her head down.  It may take a long time--but she will figure it out.  Trust me, this is the best way to do it.

You should also remember that your horse will need impulsion before you get her into a frame.  She won't get her head down if she doesn't have enough pace and power behind.

If you insist on a stronger bit, you could try a pelham.  The bottom rein is used to crank the horse's head down while the top rein is used for turning/stopping/etc.  I know you said you don't want two reins, but I think this might help you.  I would also suggest that you don't ride in a pelham every day.  It can cause the horse to get into too tight a frame and back off in front of jumps.

Answer 2

I would say that the bit is not the issue. I would try draw rains while schooling. If your not sure that they are they are held with the rain  and pull the horse into a frame. They can work wonders. However, if not used right then can cause more harm then good so make sure you know how to use them. A bit with two rains is VERY VERY harsh and could very easly hurt the horses mouth. If you do decited to use it please make sure you are very soft. Keep a loser (sp) rain and don't jerk on her mouth for any other reason.

Answer 3

A bit won't keep her framing 24/7, and where your hands are is probably the result of where her head isn't.  When you are getting her fully engaged and her forehand lightens, and her head balances as she reaches for the bit, and that happens every time you train her, I think you'll find that your hands are comfortably where they belong while she is in frame.  She just isn't finished.

Answer 4

you can try a kimberwick low port. my mare use to run around with her head up until we changed to a kimberwick and she loves it. Some horses react very badly to it so do lots of ground work Htey run cheaply anywhere from 16-26.00 I got mine for free. so good luck

Answer 5

double reins bit (called a pelham) is not tough at all if you know what one to use... what you might want to try is a bit with a curb chain... A pelham which has double reins or a kimberwhicke which has one rein.... as for the pelham there are alot of diffrent types.. there are the straight bar.. a rubber pelham.. a broken pelham... and a broken rubber pelham.... broken pelham are a softer.... but its all how your horse likes it.. some horse like to feel you and be on the bit.. by all means pelhams and kimberwhicks are not very very harsh. Kimberwhicks also come as a broken or straightbar as well... reading what you wrote i would recomend a joint rubber pelham.. or the happy mouth jointed pelham. I think she will frame up well with the curb chain on the pelham good luck...

Answer 6

I suggest you use a Dutch Gag on the second hole. http://www.eclipse-equestrian.com/acatal...

that should be ok and it may help her to tuck her head in as it uses pressure on the poll aswell as in the mouth but its not harsh.

If that fails to work, i think the most you would want is a pelham but if she has a sensative mouth, do not use a double bridle.

Answer 7

There is no miracle bit that can make your horse do everything--I find that when I'm having problems though to try a VERY simple bit, instead of a harsher more complex one. I HIGHLY recommend an eggbutt french link because since it's double jointed it doesn't have the nutcracker action, instead it lays flat on your horses tongue. I recently started using it on my horse and he has begun to ride into a frame much more easily.

Answer 8

A bit wont keep your horse in a frame. Bits arent ment to do all the work for you. I had the same problem with my horse until i switched barns and realized ITS NOT YOUR HORSE THATS THE PROBLEM. Just because you lower your hands doesnt put your horse in a frame, which is a mistake hunters often make, especially if the trainer does not explain why horses drop heads and frame up. when you push your horse foward, they should relax and lower thier heads. The bit wont solve the problem, and could even make your horse resist the bit more. Just try a regular full-cheek or D-ring snaffle.