Posted 2006-01-19 9:56 PM (#35749 - in reply to #35735) Subject: RE: Western horse bits
Veteran
Posts: 247 Location: La Crosse, WI - God's Country
This should open up a can of worms...
Our approach is pretty straightforward. Ride a snaffle (either ring or an argentine style with pretty conservative leverage) pretty much all the time other than showing (Jr. horses can be shown two handed). The way we see it if we can't get things done with the least amount of pressure needed, we're doing something wrong. For showing we like some of the myler bits. We do mostly cattle work, reining, pleasure riding and trails.
Posted 2006-01-20 7:02 AM (#35752 - in reply to #35735) Subject: RE: Western horse bits
Expert
Posts: 1719 Location: PA
The bit is determined by the horse. Right now I have an all around AQHA show horse that does equitation, horsemanship, western pleasure, and showmanship (not that that matters for bits!). In the english events, I ride him in a rubber snaffle because I don't want him to back off the contact. He is very comfortable with that bit. When I school him for the western events, I usually use a small correction bit because of the tongue releif and the loose shanks to move his shoulders. I show horsemanship in the corrections bit and WP in an aluminum (light weight) catherdral bit (helps him keep his head level without wanting to fold in at the poll). You need to decide which bits your horse likes. I had a horse that absolutely HATED snaffle bits because of the pinching effect. Ride your horse in different bits and see which one he is happiest in. BTW, a horse should never pull or root on the bit. If he does, you need to go back to basics and retrain him.
Posted 2006-01-20 8:45 AM (#35757 - in reply to #35735) Subject: RE: Western horse bits
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
I do mostly English events...so any of the 1000's of snaffles is my first choice and the one I'll put a horse in first. My all-around horses use a mullen mouth shank. It helps to keep them light but without looking fearful (behind the vertical and ducked in) of the high port correctino type bits.
Posted 2006-01-20 8:59 AM (#35759 - in reply to #35735) Subject: RE: Western horse bits
Veteran
Posts: 247 Location: La Crosse, WI - God's Country
And let's not forget the need for at least yearly dental exams by someone who knows the subject. A good bit isn't a "bit of good" if the horse has challenges with the chompers..
Posted 2006-01-20 10:47 PM (#35777 - in reply to #35735) Subject: RE: Western horse bits
Veteran
Posts: 141 Location: Helena, Ohio
I prefer to use a bosel or hackamore. The Indian Bosel is my favorite right now. I have put it on a young 3/4 arab that I have been riding & it has just changed his opinion on riding for me. I love it! But, that is just my humble opinion...
Western horse bits
