Take the Poll: What Type of Bit Do You Use?
Tuesday May 5, 2009
For several years in my area, there was a horse on the endurance riding circuit who was ridden only with a neck rope - a simple hoop of stiff rope that was worn around the horse's neck. The rider needed no bridle, with or without a bit. The horse was a seasoned competitor with thousands of miles behind him. While this option may not work for all of us, it provided a great deal of convenience and comfort for this horse; the freedom to eat and drink unhindered and use his head and neck without restriction to balance over rough trail. Most of us use specific types of bits and bridles for specific reasons. What do you use when you ride (or drive)? Do you favor a curb or a snaffle? Are you using some type of bitless bridle? Or have you found another way to replace a traditional bridle?
Comments
Most endurance riders use no bits. Everything I read says I need a snaffle so I tried one. I went back to the English bit with a slight curb. I ride with a single rein (roping rein) held with one finger. This is the third horse I have ridden then way. The bit is hardly ever used because I can control my horse with leg and body movement and a quiet “whoa” will bring him to a dead stop from any gait. I started doing this after watching other people pulling like hell on their reins attached to a wide assortment of bits. Ed
While I trail ride with a short shank curb, I always train and ride “around the farm” in a bitless sidepull. When I do use the bit, my horse is light as a feather.
A few weeks ago I would have said I’d only use a snaffle. But my horse, 11y old gelding paint qhorse, is at my trainer’s for some more saddle work. At his suggestion, we switched to a transition bit, (a curb bit with a split mouthpiece like a snaffle, with 3-4 in leverage on the shanks, along with a leather curb strap. Amazing results! much more collected, no head tossing, and now we get much quicker response on the neck-reining. By the way, if you want to participate in competition AQHA, APHA, or ARHA events, and your horse is 6 or older, you must use a curb.