What is a good D-ring bit that can be used in the Hunters for a strong horse?

Question

I am riding a Hanoverian mare that has a very strong mouth. My trainer rides her occationally in a double bridle and she still manages to try and fight the bit. With some warm-up time, you can usually soften her and her neck will begin to supple. She by no means runs away, her neck becomes inverted. She was trained to always be in the contact.

I am going to be riding her in the Hunters and would like to know of some suggestions of some good D-ring bits that could work. I ride her in a pelham usually and that works, but I just don't like the way it looks, especially in the ring. I want something that looks soft from the outside, but is effective enough that I have some resistance against her.

Thanks!

Answer 1

If your Pelham is a straight bar across without a port (a hump) in it it is called a mullen mouth.  Check and see if rhey make a straight bar or mullen mouth D ring....I'm sure they must.  However, remember the pelham because of the short shanks and curb chain does provide some leverage from the poll and with the "D" you may hae the same mouthpiece but it works on pull and not leverage.  Perhaps another bit to look into might be a Kimberwicke which has a side piece shaped like a "D" but uses a curb chain.

You mentioned you have a trainer..what does she think of your idea...and maybe she has some alternatives for you to try before making an investment into a new bit.

Funny..I love the look of a pelham..with double reins..if the reins are too thick you can get much thinner ones..or at least in saddle seat we use much thinner snaffle and curb reins..but not sure if that "look" is okay for the Hunter ring.

There is also an old saying...."If it works, don't fix it"!!

Dover, Bit of Britian, Horseloverz, ehorseequipment....

Answer 2

I dont think you need a stronger bit i think you need to work on the contact to her mouth... maybe your pulling to hard or not enough? but you should try to find out and expiroment with different hamd positions and resistance.

Answer 3

mmmm not to dis the previous answerers but -

flash - no -not allowed in hunters

kimberwicke - oh God no, a total no-no for hunters

mullen-mouth dee - not exactly a strong bit

The pelham is pretty classic for the hunter ring, so at least if you can't find anything else, you can make do.

There is a bit I like - though its nontraditional, and your trainer might say no - the Myler twisted wire dee. Its not really wire - its much thicker than that. It has slots for the reins & cheekpeices, effectively turning it into a mild gag bit

that looks pretty much like a regular snaffle.

http://www.rods.com/p/562,130_Myler-Engl...

Answer 4

Are her teeth problematic?  That could be a concern.  Personally, I don't believe in things like "hard or strong mouths".  It is basically a lack of proper training and/or a combination of pain inflicted on a horse by incorrect hands and horrible mechanical devices, a lack of flexibility due to a muscular or spinal problem, lack of time and patience.   It sounds like this poor horse has had a miserable life and is in for more of the same.  Bigger bits are not the answer.  She has real problems and it would be good for her and you if you could get some help from a knowledgeable person who has some understanding of horse behavior and communication.  Do you do any ground work with her?  Has she been taught to flex and be supple on the ground?  She should be able to do these things on the ground before under saddle.  It will take some time and effort to help your horse because you will have to "undo" the previous damage, but it can be done.  I hope you are able to help your horse.   What she is going through is really sad.

Answer 5

Try either a Corkscrew D-ring, or a Twisted Wire D-ring. MABYE a double twisted wire d-ring (if you can find one) but those are extremely severe. There is a horse at my barn who normally uses a pelham but we also use a corkscrew on him and hes fine either way.

Answer 6

The more power to the bit the worse her mouth will get. I always recommend a loose ringed snaffle. It is a bit that is gentle and doesn't lock up when the horse gets to pulling.

Do lots of soft mouth exercises. She will respond in time. You can't reverse what damage has already been done to her mouth but you can teach her not to fight the bit. If your aids are consistent and gentle she will stop fighting a battle she can't win. And if you get her softened up than why would you wreck all your hard work with a painful bit? Don't be lazy. Work with her through the problem.

Good Luck.