Driving Bit Question

[Becky Horat]

Again, I appreciate all the bit suggestions and like to see what different types you like or dislike. Which is what I was mainly trying to find out. I guess I should ad,this little mare is not at all "hard mouthed" and I'm not looking for a quick fix to by pass good basic training. My main bits have always been broken mouthpiece/snaffle type...this is why I'm looking to see what other types others like besides this class of bits. I still ride most of my big horses in these bits even in their old age. I am very light handed and all my horses are super light. I have a pony that we are just starting and have been doing lots of ground driving/training, etc. She is very light and responsive and is still very green. This is how most of our horses are....because I'm the one starting them and have never created anything but a nice mouth. So, with this older Mini with unknown history to me, besides competing in AMHA Driving in her younger days, I'm having to retrain (or just figure her out). Although we've made big improvements and will continue a lot of ground work, etc....she still just isn't how I want her to be....I know time will continue to help....so looking to try something she may be more comfortable in?? My biggest concern isn't a "harsher" bit, but something with enough control just while riding outside on the trails (if needed). She's not nervous, or excited or uncontrollable......just not as responsive and in this area and safety is our most important issue. And I'm aware that a bit change may not help either, at this point. We've had a run-away situation before (different horse) and I know it had nothing to do with what bit she had on and she had a really nice mouth, etc. My plan is with re-training, this little horse will be using a broken mouthpiece successfully anywhere......just my bit of preference "so far." But, I'm always open to different types of anything, if it works....within reason of course. And what one trainer/rider finds successful with most of their horses, will usually have one in the barn that prefers something different. Choosing bits takes a lot of studying & research. Wish I had $ to buy a large choice to try out.....just now working on building my "mini" collection. One other thing to mention. Her little "hopping" isn't limited to while hooked to the cart. She does this while ground driving too. I can see where this is most likely coming from her being out of shape and "pulling" weight again. But, she still needs to move more into the bit than above it in these situations. For the most part, I'm ignoring it....trying to work on the cause of it and she is much better. It will take time on both of our parts. She is a very level headed mare and am enjoying her so much. We are very lucky to have found her.

 

[brasstackminis]

Unfortunately with Minis a simple broken or single jointed mouth snaffle doesn't usually work well because of the shallowness of their palates. I do like the french links or 3 piece mouths as they allow for the shallow palate.

I was not mentioning the 3 piece part here (simple snaffle to me includes this) just because I was on a less is more trip, and I think of the french link as a differnt fit but not really a more or less severe bit than a regular 2 piece snaffle, providing that all fits well.

My shetland is going in a 3 piece half cheek snaffle. I tried a straight mullen mouth and regular 2 piece snaffle and he seemed to go best in this bit.

My Arab cross riding gelding was going in a 2 piece loose ring snaffle and I bought him a Herm Springer 3 piece loose ring thinking he would be better in it. I mean the stupid KK bit cost close to $200 so he SHOULD like it better right?

I mean arabian...smaller mouth, pallet fit, German silver, blah, blah, blah, it all sounded good. HE HATED IT!

Luckily my other horse enjoyed it!

So anyways, I guess the point here is to see if you can try different bits out before you get them! I know that I was able to try out the bits from Chimicum before I bought them and could send the ones I didn't want back! That is hard to find!They were also well made and not super expensive. I have not had any sharp edges, pinched cheeks or any other problems with them. She also had a lot of selection for the smaller creature. Her website does drive me crazy so I just call and order!

 

[Sandee]

Becky, I read your post as saying that this horse has training and was driven in shows but you are having trouble on the trail. If I'm wrong, sorry. But a "show" horse does not necessarily mean that you can take that horse out on a trail and expect it to react the same. I once bought a 12 yr old "show" horse and discovered it had NEVER been ridden outside of the arena. This horse was from Kansas and farm stuff was "old hat" but BIG rocks, bridges, and woods must contain "things" that EAT horses!

Your new horse may just need to be re-trained for the "outdoors".

 

[Becky Horat]

Yes, this little mare had only been driven in show ring situations. You bet we're doing lots of ground driving down the road and out on our wonderful "driving trails." Surprising enough, she is awesome!! I think she enjoys it...although she's having to learn that the ground isn't always level....haha. She just has a great attitude about everything. But, we are definately re-training her for the "outside world." That's why I was just searching for a little different bit just for this reason....to see if I could find anything better than what I'm using on her.