Snaffle Bit help...

Luvridn · 09-06-2008, 12:13 AM

I have a green mare that I have been riding in a D-ring snaffle. I have good lateral flexion on her but she barely gives vertically at all...since obviously I don't want a leaner for the rest of our days (and I only recently learned D-rings encourage this...hey, I am still learning

) I am looking into switching her to another bit.

So....what would my fellow HTers recommend?

I have been looking at full cheeks, loose rings, french links in either, elliptical links, or just single jointed. I have also seen the fish/knife edged snaffles but do not want to go that route. I was looking at the french/elliptical links because we are starting to work on sidepassing and yielding and I want to be able to pick the shoulders up independently, but none of that is very effective without vertical flexion....so....advice please??

Which one do you think would be best? Or other suggestions?

Crookedblaze · 09-06-2008, 12:43 AM

I really like my full cheek. I just switch Stormy to a full cheek broken snaffle, and she goes great in it and I get my point across. I would say, see if you can borrow a few different bits to try them out.

reiningfan · 09-06-2008, 07:58 AM

I like french link snaffles. The double break makes the bit more comfortable for most horses, seems to decrease resistance and is easier to isolate and lift with.
Are you riding English or Western? Have you ever tied back, or used side reins?

Luvridn · 09-06-2008, 06:07 PM

Thanks for the replies. I ride mainly western but am riding this particular mare in a dressage saddle...she has a big trot and it is just more comfortable. Any similarities to English riding stop after the saddle. When we get more cadence I will probably switch her back. I have used side reins, draw reins and the like in the past, but no longer use them. It is a personal preference.

Keep em coming

rivervu2 · 09-06-2008, 06:39 PM

My bit of choice is a Herm Sprenger loose ring snaffle. You can get them in different thicknesses but the german silver encourages salivation, thus aiding in softening the jaw. Best if you can borrow one as they are pretty pricey. You can also find them used on ebay now and again. This is the only bit that I'll use.

Luvridn · 09-06-2008, 07:34 PM

I am watching a Herm Springer on eBay....but do you recommend a single joint or 2 joint?

rivervu2 · 09-06-2008, 07:45 PM

I use a single joint. Have ridden horses at Prix St. Georges level with this bit, unless riding in a double bridle. Then add a bradoon. Even if you buy one used and don't like it you can always resell it as they're highly regarded.

Luvridn · 09-06-2008, 07:45 PM

These are the ones I am watching:

Full cheek copper mouth french link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=220223740305

Nearly same in loose ring:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=380030380943

Herm Sprenger french link loose ring:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Herm-Sprenger-KK...QQcmdZViewItem

Or with pinchless sides:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Herm-Sprenger-2-...QQcmdZViewItem

rivervu2 · 09-06-2008, 07:49 PM

I like the 5.25" french link out of all of them. FYI - I bought one on ebay several months ago for around $30 so they're out there if you're patient.

EquineAlberta · 09-08-2008, 11:42 PM

Keep the bit you have if it seems comfortable for her and work on building her strength and flexibilty with lateral work, changes in bend. If you don't want her to lean on the bit, ride with soft hands so she has nothing to lean on.

Verticle flexion is not about the bit...it is about the rider and showing the horse how to use itself.

Karen

Luvridn · 09-12-2008, 05:24 AM

Thanks for the advice everyone...

....I still haven't made a decision

EquineAlberta...thanks for the reminder, and I am still waiting on your full report on bit myths

I understand it has more to do with the hands and 'feel' and we are working on that, but I am trying to 'set myself up for success.' I always just thought a broken snaffle was a broken snaffle as long as it didn't have shanks...well to a degree anyway. I broke this mare in the D-ring because it would work similar to a full cheek and have opposite side pull. But after learning more I can see where the pressure is exerted a little differently. She is in a true racing dee now. I am at a plateau as far as getting vertical flexion, and although yes, it is probably me, I want to be sure I am using the right equipment instead of creating the problem!

KatieMae · 09-12-2008, 05:51 AM

I use Loose Rings religiously..
Infact, I have 4 bits; 2 are loose rings.
One 16mm, one 20mm.
Soft hands and the 16mm had my mare working like a dream..
The girl who bought her was so suprised at how little pressure she had to use on her..

Romance being ridden by her current owner:

Luvridn · 09-12-2008, 06:43 AM

She looks beautiful katieMae! *sniffles* I want that!

KatieMae · 09-12-2008, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luvridn

She looks beautiful katieMae! *sniffles* I want that!

Thank you.. She was my partner in crime for 11 years... Miss her to death everyday...

Patience and persistence, my friend... I worked for months to get her working on the bit.. Both in the saddle and on the longe with side reins and ground poles..

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09-06-2008, 12:13 AM
Luvridn Long Yearling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 1,072	Snaffle Bit help... I have a green mare that I have been riding in a D-ring snaffle. I have good lateral flexion on her but she barely gives vertically at all...since obviously I don't want a leaner for the rest of our days (and I only recently learned D-rings encourage this...hey, I am still learning ) I am looking into switching her to another bit. So....what would my fellow HTers recommend? I have been looking at full cheeks, loose rings, french links in either, elliptical links, or just single jointed. I have also seen the fish/knife edged snaffles but do not want to go that route. I was looking at the french/elliptical links because we are starting to work on sidepassing and yielding and I want to be able to pick the shoulders up independently, but none of that is very effective without vertical flexion....so....advice please?? Which one do you think would be best? Or other suggestions? __________________ If your horse wants to bolt, there is probably a nut loose in the saddle! PP

09-06-2008, 12:43 AM
Crookedblaze Started Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,447	I really like my full cheek. I just switch Stormy to a full cheek broken snaffle, and she goes great in it and I get my point across. I would say, see if you can borrow a few different bits to try them out. __________________ Owned by Rocketman, a 17 year old AQHA and Stormy, a 10 year old Peruvian Paso x Arab

09-06-2008, 07:58 AM
reiningfan Yearling Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Western Manitoba, Canada Posts: 516	I like french link snaffles. The double break makes the bit more comfortable for most horses, seems to decrease resistance and is easier to isolate and lift with. Are you riding English or Western? Have you ever tied back, or used side reins?

09-06-2008, 06:07 PM
Luvridn Long Yearling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 1,072	Thanks for the replies. I ride mainly western but am riding this particular mare in a dressage saddle...she has a big trot and it is just more comfortable. Any similarities to English riding stop after the saddle. When we get more cadence I will probably switch her back. I have used side reins, draw reins and the like in the past, but no longer use them. It is a personal preference. Keep em coming __________________ If your horse wants to bolt, there is probably a nut loose in the saddle! PP

09-06-2008, 06:39 PM
rivervu2 Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 996	My bit of choice is a Herm Sprenger loose ring snaffle. You can get them in different thicknesses but the german silver encourages salivation, thus aiding in softening the jaw. Best if you can borrow one as they are pretty pricey. You can also find them used on ebay now and again. This is the only bit that I'll use.

09-06-2008, 07:34 PM
Luvridn Long Yearling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 1,072	I am watching a Herm Springer on eBay....but do you recommend a single joint or 2 joint? __________________ If your horse wants to bolt, there is probably a nut loose in the saddle! PP

09-06-2008, 07:45 PM
rivervu2 Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 996	I use a single joint. Have ridden horses at Prix St. Georges level with this bit, unless riding in a double bridle. Then add a bradoon. Even if you buy one used and don't like it you can always resell it as they're highly regarded.

09-06-2008, 07:49 PM
rivervu2 Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 996	I like the 5.25" french link out of all of them. FYI - I bought one on ebay several months ago for around $30 so they're out there if you're patient.

09-08-2008, 11:42 PM
EquineAlberta Seasoned Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 4,470	Keep the bit you have if it seems comfortable for her and work on building her strength and flexibilty with lateral work, changes in bend. If you don't want her to lean on the bit, ride with soft hands so she has nothing to lean on. Verticle flexion is not about the bit...it is about the rider and showing the horse how to use itself. Karen __________________ Hillside Stable, Ardrossan, AB Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...is it really that hard?

09-12-2008, 05:24 AM
Luvridn Long Yearling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 1,072	Thanks for the advice everyone.......I still haven't made a decision EquineAlberta...thanks for the reminder, and I am still waiting on your full report on bit myths I understand it has more to do with the hands and 'feel' and we are working on that, but I am trying to 'set myself up for success.' I always just thought a broken snaffle was a broken snaffle as long as it didn't have shanks...well to a degree anyway. I broke this mare in the D-ring because it would work similar to a full cheek and have opposite side pull. But after learning more I can see where the pressure is exerted a little differently. She is in a true racing dee now. I am at a plateau as far as getting vertical flexion, and although yes, it is probably me, I want to be sure I am using the right equipment instead of creating the problem! __________________ If your horse wants to bolt, there is probably a nut loose in the saddle! PP

09-12-2008, 05:51 AM
KatieMae Seasoned Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: C.FLA Posts: 4,014	I use Loose Rings religiously.. Infact, I have 4 bits; 2 are loose rings. One 16mm, one 20mm. Soft hands and the 16mm had my mare working like a dream.. The girl who bought her was so suprised at how little pressure she had to use on her.. Romance being ridden by her current owner: __________________ Slow down, everyone. You're moving too fast.

09-12-2008, 06:43 AM
Luvridn Long Yearling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 1,072	She looks beautiful katieMae! sniffles I want that! __________________ If your horse wants to bolt, there is probably a nut loose in the saddle! PP