What bit to use for western trail riding with a horse who loves his roller and is used to direct reining?

Question

I have a new 8 year old Morgan Quarter cross who I want to trail ride western. I am using a regular curb with a roller but am worried it is too strong. When we first begin riding (arena or trail) he really wants to move out and seems to be accustomed to alot of direct mouth contact. He is extremely responsive to very light cues, I think is simply used to having a snaffle in his mouth (I don't know what he wore in his prior years) He has apparently done both english and western in the past but when I ride him in the arena I have to use a tight rein. He loves his roller and absolutely hated the twist snaffle I tried on him. I test rode him in a snaffle with a roller, which seemed to be OK, but I worry it isn't going to be enough on the trail. Would the Reinsman Argentine or Cowhorse snaffles be a good fit for us?

Answer 1

I agree that no bit is enough on the trail for this horse, since you say you are riding in an arena with a tight rein on a shanked bit.  The horse needs retraining in a safe place like an arena before it will be safe to ride on trails.  I'd go with the roller snaffle, and get a full cheek for the lateral control.  Then you need to get off of his mouth and work on your seat and legs, with lots of lateral work such as shoulder in and out and two tracking.  Until you have this horse turning, stopping and backing without having to cue his mouth, he won't be ready for trails.

Answer 2

http://www.jeffersequine.com/ssc/product...

this is a copper roller d ring snaffle, would work just fine

Answer 3

I wouldn't change the bit for trail riding. If he likes the bit you use in the arena...use it on the trail especially if you are not comfortable with him "out" in only a snaffle.

I absolutely would not go buy a bit just to trail ride!