Strong pony???

Question

I have a pony that I am training and I am looking for that right bit. I have very soft hands so i would not abuse harsh bit. I will abmit though that bits are not my strong point when it comes to what they can all do!!! Soemone suggested puttting her in a 2 Ring French Elevator. What do you think of this? I ride her in a french ring snaffle currently because she had some issues that required that bit. But now she is in more intensive training and needs a bit that will suit her long term...so elevator?

Answer 1

I would not even use a bit

i start all my horses without a bit just a nylon halter lol

they learn to respond to only my legs and seat

then once i have a secure connection with that i start with the bits

and i usually just use a plain curb ir snaffle becase my horses don't need a strong bit when they can just follow my leg commands

Answer 2

i dont know about an elevator because i have never heard of it!!

i use  a pee-wee bit on my welsh section d who is very strong and he goes better in this then in a dutch gag.

here is some info on it:

Provides maximum control with minimum pressure

Helps less physical riders control large head strong horses

Assists in re-educating problem horses

Give faster education of young horses due to a precise clear signal which minimizes confusion -- a must for horse breakers.

Standard size fits horses from

pony (12 1/2hh) to warmblood (16 1/2hh)



Prevents your horse getting its tongue over the bit

hope it helps

Answer 3

I use one when I jump at a show, on the third ring as my mare gets very strong when jumping. A two or three-ring snaffle, sometimes called an "American gag," is a loose ring bit with distinct sidepieces composed, despite its name, of four rings. You attach the cheekpiece to the tiny top ring; then you can attach the rein to the big snaffle ring (the one that's connected to the mouthpiece) for minimal effect, the middle ring for mild curb effect and the bottom ring for extreme curb effect (Some riders attach a rein to the snaffle ring and another to the bottom ring, as on a Pelham; I prefer a single rein because it is easier to use.)

The bit works by providing:

Leverage. When you pull back on one of the lower ring with the rein, the top ring levers forward and pulls the cheekpiece down, which applies pressure to the horse's poll and encourages him to lower his head.

Lift. As you pull on the reins, the mouthpiece rides up the snaffle ring in an elevating action. When combined with a strong leg pushing the horse forward into the bridle, it helps to balance him off his forehand. (This effect can be increased by the style of mouthpiece--it's normally smooth but can be a stronger slow-twist or even a custom design.)

Turning power. The sidepieces function like the shanks of a full-cheek snaffle, helping to steer the horse by pressing against the outside of his face in a turn.

so yes, while you are traing your can use the milder ways of the bit and as she gets older you can use the same bit... its and overall GREAT bit...

Hope this helps :D- becca

Answer 4

It is hard to recommend a bit based on the information you provided.  What do you want to do with the pony?  What is the pony doing that is making you feel she needs a different bit?  What are you doing with your pony that you feel is "intensive training"?

Here are some basics to keep in mind when trying to pick a bit:

A straight mouth bit puts more pressure on the tongue and is good for KEEPING a horse straight.  A broken mouth bit (snaffle) is good for GETTING a horse straight and makes it harder for your horse to lean on your hands.  A mouth piece with several joints (such as a french-link) applies pressure more evenly throughout the mouth and is good for "starting" a horse or correcting a heavy horse, but tends to not have a lot of brakes for a stronger horse.

The length between where the bit is when in the horse's mouth, and where the cheeckpiece connects to the bit dictates how much pressure is applied to the poll (behind teh horse's ears).  The farther apart they are, the more poll pressure.  Poll pressure encourages your horse to lower his head.

The length between where the bit is when in the horse's mouth, and where the rein connects to the bit dictates how much your pulling is amplified by.  The farther apart they are, the more amplification.  FOr example, on a plain snaffle (rein connected to same place as mouthpiece) if you pull with 1 pound of pressure your horse will feel 1 pound of pressure.  When amplified you can pull with 1 pound of pressure and your horse will feel 2 pounds (small amount amplified) or even 4-5 pounds (more amplified.  Obviously, this is where good brakes come in - however you must be careful and when you have too much leverage your horse will begin to think every time you pull you are using your brakes - so turning, shifting and even relaxing can all be misinterpreted by your horse.

I would really recommend talking to your instructor about what your pony is doing and what you goals are - and you can come up with a plan on how to achieve those goals and work on your pony's training - which may or may not require a change in bit.

Hope This Helps - Good Luck!

Answer 5

I trained all my horses in a regular D ring snaffle bit. Also miler bits. They are great for training!! Move on to a more advanced bit when you are "finishing" your horse.

Answer 6

Lots of ways to think about bits...My belief is that all the fancy bits that claim to do this or that are unnecessary expense.  If a horse is in intensive training, I would use the simplest of bits, most likely a plain snaffle...I like the full cheek snaffle.  When a horse has issues, bits seldom fix them except when the bit being used needs to be replaced by a simple, plain old snaffle.

EDIT:  Years ago I used to observe Grand Prix training of passage and piaffe...guess what bit the trainer used?  The simple snaffle.  She trained some very strong animals to the highest level with that simple bit.

Answer 7

i would use one with a lot of shank