What would be the best bit for my thoroughbred mare?

Question

i have a 15.2 thoroughbred mare. i am currently using her in a Mullen Mouth Hard Rubber Pelham Bit, but its too large for her mouth. i have tried her in a snaffle but she was way too strong for it! is there anything that is small enough to fit in her mouth but strong enough for when we go for a gallop?! and she also jogs so if theres anything that dicourages it would be great!

i am also on a very tight buget (im only 15 yrs old! and i dont get pocket money :( ) it would also have to be availble in england in case i need to take it back!

thankyou!

Answer 1

The easiest bit to fit a thodoughbred with is a snaffle bit because of the varying sizes. I have two OTTB's and they are a little unruly but Thoroughbreds tend to lean into the bit. If you do half halts and quick correction you should be able to get yours undercontrol.

Answer 2

First I would note that you can but most bits in any size.  So if you like the pelham, just buy a smaller one.

I would always start with a snaffle.  If she was too strong in a regular one, try some sort of twisted snaffle.  There are lots of different types of snaffles, some of which are stonger than others.  Now, if you rule out the snaffle you start getting into curb bits.  A curb bit is going to dictate the horse's frame because they also put pressure on the horse's poll and chin.  I personally try to avoid them whenever possible because they can be discouraging for certain horses.  A gag bit might also work, but you would have to have very quiet hands.

I think you should ask someone who knows your horse what type of bit to try.  If you cant get a stronger snaffle, maybe get a kimberwick or dutch gag (aslo known as an elevator or three-ring) No bit is going to eliminate her jogging problem, and since I don't know your horse I really can't give you a perfect answer.

Answer 3

you could use the bit your using just get it in a smaller size. i wouldnt put a harsher bit in to stop her jogging either..mine sometimes jogs but its usually when she knows shes going back home or somewhere shes already been, so vary your route and if possible dont go back the same way youve come..try circular routes.

i ride my thoroughbred in a loose ring frenchlink snaffle and she goes quite nicely in that even tho she can be strong

sorry not much help lol

Answer 4

A horse who needs more than a double jointed snaffle has too many holes in his training and needs to be taken back to the basics.

Answer 5

I prefer snaffle bits or wonder bits because they are not too harsh. Make sure its a "real" snaffle which puts the pressure right at the center and not a leverage bit or cowboy snaffle that puts pressure on the lower jaw, which is too harsh in the opinion of many.

As far as thinking about what bit would be strong enough for when you go into a gallop, I think you need to go beyond thinking about just the bit. A snaffle bit is strong enough for that in the vast majority of cases, but what you need to work on is flexing. Flexing your horse is a vital component of training. Check out this video for some instruction on flexing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91xp3gMYI...

Cheers,

David

http://gentlenaturalhorseman.blogspot.co...