From: Kayla
I guess that i am completely stupid when it comes to bits, so i am doing research online about bits and coming up empty handed... Basically what i need is someone to tell me what i need and i'll go buy it. (preferably cheap!) I broke my Arab mare in a loose ring snaffle, but she started not responding to pressure and we ended up in many problems of not wanting to stop... She knows leg aids and half halts... but i couldnt get her to stop walking... I felt like i was basically gagging her and she still just walked through it... The only other bit that i owned is a plain old curb bit that i got with one of my bridles... But i gave it a try... I know that they are not balanced well, and i would much rather use a snaffle... But she stops now. A friend of mine told me to get a loose cheek snaffle, but then there are so many different kinds that i dont know what to get, she is a western mare, and i think its the shanks and curb strap that are giving me the control that i want, but what do i get thats balanced right and that wont be harsh? Please help... Getting a little desperate! kayla
First, you're right to be confused. There are so many bits on the market, and if you look through any catalogue, you'll see a hundred bits that, according to the catalogue copy, all do different things! This bit "picks up the horse's shoulder", that one "collects the horse", the one over there "lifts the horse's front end". In addition to this sort of nonsense text, the catalogues are full of bits that shouldn't ever be put in any horse's mouth -- link-chain and bicycle-chain mouthpieces, single and double thin wires (straight or twisted), mouthpieces that are designed to put a thin, sharp edge against the bars of the horse's mouth.
These bits are easy to avoid. The real problem bits are the ones that are mis-identified. A bit that works off leverage is a curb bit, no matter what it may be called in the catalogue. "Cowboy snaffles" and "Argentine snaffles", for instance, are curb bits, and the gentle-sounding "Cowboy snaffle" is a very severe bit. Make it easy on yourself -- ignore the labels and just look at how the bits work! If the bit works by direct pressure -- the reins attach to the bit at the same level as the mouthpiece -- then it's a snaffle. If the bit works by leverage, it's a curb.
Don't be confused by the type of mouthpiece, either -- a snaffle can have a solid, straight mouthpiece, a solid, curved mouthpiece, or a broken mouthpiece made up of two or more pieces. So can a curb -- and that's why the "cowboy snaffle" is such a nasty bit, by the way: it combines the nutcracker effect of the broken mouthpiece with the leverage provided by the shanks and purchase.
(For those of you unfamiliar with curbs: The shank is the part of the bit that extends downward from the mouthpiece, and to which the reins are attached; the purchase is the part of the bit that extends upward from the mouthpiece, and to which the bridle cheekpieces are attached.)
The bit you use should always be the most comfortable, most gentle bit you can find THAT FITS YOUR HORSE'S MOUTH and that is appropriate to the way you ride.
It's not enough to know about bits -- you need to know your horse's mouth, too. You don't mention your mare's age, but if she has wolf teeth that haven't been removed, you should ask your vet to take them out the next time he floats her teeth. And it wouldn't hurt to have him look at her teeth very soon.
You did say that she is an Arabian, so here's something to consider: most Arabians have small mouths, with low palates, and often with thick tongues. This means that they are likely to be uncomfortable in a very thick bit. It also means that they are likely to be uncomfortable in a single-joint snaffle bit, or in a curb bit with a jointed mouthpiece. When pressure is applied to both sides of the bit, the joint at the center of the snaffle can pinch the horse's tongue and dig into the roof of the horse's mouth. I find that most Arabians are much happier in either a French-link snaffle (that's the one with a smooth, peanut-shaped center link) or -- if they're Western horses -- in a mullen-mouth or low-port short-shanked curb such as a colt bit or grazing bit.
Bit adjustment is also something to consider. If you're using a snaffle, adjust the bridle's cheekpieces so that the bit just touches the corners of your mare's mouth. If she is comfortable with it, leave it there. If she isn't comfortable, or if she puts her tongue over it, move it up slightly, but not enough to create multiple wrinkles in her lips.
If you're using a curb, the bit should just touch the corners of your mare's mouth. If she's not comfortable, try lowering it a little. If she's still not comfortable, there may be other factors to consider.
If you're using a curb, you'll have two other sources of possible discomfort to think about. One is obvious: the chain or strap itself. A soft, rounded leather strap, adjusted fairly loosely, is probably best for your mare. If you want to use a chain, be sure that the links aren't catching and pulling the mare's chin hairs -- and be sure that you always adjust it so that the chain portion lies FLAT. Most horses will be happier with a strap, provided that it's a comfortable one. Beware of cheap, stiff straps with hard, sharp edges. If you have one like this, you can cover it with a small piece of sheepskin.
If the strap or chain itself is not a problem (you've checked, and it's comfortable and adjusted properly), then look at the bit's purchase. Years ago, it was considered a routine chore to put the purchases of new bits in a vise and bend them outward a little, so that they (and the attached end of the cheekpiece) wouldn't rub against the horse's facial bones. Nowadays, riders don't seem to do this with their new bits, but many of them should. Check your mare's head when the bridle is in place, and see whether she is getting rubbed.
Finally, look at what kind of riding you're doing. If you are going to ride one-handed with the reins loose, then there's no reason to avoid a curb bit -- that's what they're designed for, and the right curb will be entirely appropriate.
If you're going to ride two-handed while keeping constant contact with your mare's mouth (even very light contact), then you'll want to use a snaffle. Just be sure that you find one that is comfortable for your mare.
Either way, try to keep your aids as light as possible, and don't get into a pulling contest with your mare. If, after all this, you are still having problems stopping her, a couple of lessons with a GOOD instructor should be able to help you pinpoint the problem and give you exercises that will help you correct it.
Good luck!
Jessica
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