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T O P I C R E V I E W
ejbear
Posted - 30 Jun 2010 : 12:31:29 PM Hi I know/ am sure this has been a topic before but i need some help. I am currently riding my horse in a full cheek snaffle. He is fine when we are out but when we are in the school he just wont settle with it , he mouths the whole time and is just a pain with it. He munches ad turns his head so we are never looking straight and if i give him no contact he still does the same. I was wondering if a martingale might help or which i think is best is to change his bit. But can not afford to keep changing them every five Min's.When he is tacked up out side his stable he is fine just stands there no dorking about! Suggestions please and has anyone used the bit hire companies? could you recommend one. Thanks Emma
9 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Clutha
Posted - 01 Jul 2010 : 12:17:45 PM Mine also hates jointed snaffles, the nutcracker action. I have used hackamores, waterford (full cheek) & myler (barrel in the middle prevents nutcracker effect) with no problems on her.
honey
Posted - 30 Jun 2010 : 7:24:25 PM my stallion hates bits. i have had waterfords, french link, single jointed snaffles, mullen mouth, hanging cheek, loose ring, egg butts, d rings, continentals in his mouth, also chunky bits and fine bits. (we had a pony that didn't like his bit). So i found he prefered the mullen happy mouth, he liked chunky(softer) over fine and with the hanging cheek snaffle had more stopping power. So i have been on the search for a 4.25 inch happy mouth mullen hanging cheek snaffle. don't seem to make them in that size all start at 4.5/4.75inch. even the welsh pony is in a bigger bit than him. So itstrial and error really. If you want i could send you a few different bits to try and see what he likes best there mainly around 5inch.
honey
Posted - 30 Jun 2010 : 7:23:29 PM my stallion hates bits. i have had waterfords, french link, single jointed snaffles, mullen mouth, hanging cheek, loose ring, egg butts, d rings, continentals in his mouth, also chunky bits and fine bits. (we had a pony that didn't like his bit). So i found he prefered the mullen happy mouth, he liked chunky(softer) over fine and with the hanging cheek snaffle had more stopping power. So i have been on the search for a 4.25 inch happy mouth mullen hanging cheek snaffle. don't seem to make them in that size all start at 4.5/4.75inch. even the welsh pony is in a bigger bit than him. So itstrial and error really. If you want i could send you a few different bits to try and see what he likes best there mainly around 5inch.
saddlebred
Posted - 30 Jun 2010 : 7:19:26 PM Mine both hate jointed snaffles. A bit bank is a good idea or borrow some different mouthpieces from friends. My one girl prefers a straight bar, the other likes a myler or a pelham with a port. The size of their tongue can have a big impact on what sort of bit is comfortable. It is a bit of trial and error. Regular teeth checks are also essential when they are sensitive. I have Jazz's done twice a year because I found that she can get a bit less settled in the mouth.
Good luck
sub
Posted - 30 Jun 2010 : 5:14:07 PM Ok - guess by full cheek snaffle you mean single jointed fulmer?
Ie - has a single joint in the centre of the mouthpiece
If this is the case, you may find changing the mouthpiece to a french link more suitable.
Lots of Arabs hate the nutcracker action of a single joint and will evade its action - which includes the behaviour you are explaining.
When you put contact on the bit, it raises in the mouth and the joint hits the roof of the mouth and can also pinch the tongue.
Your local saddler should be able to get you a french link fulmer for under £15
Pony slave
Posted - 30 Jun 2010 : 1:18:51 PM Hi, I have used horsebitbank.com and a bit dfferent, both really really helpful on the phone and quick speedy service, would highly recommend both, they will even get things made for you if not on their site.
PS x
pinkvboots
Posted - 30 Jun 2010 : 1:04:12 PM Have you had his teeth checked? do you think riding in the school is making him tense for some reason?
I had a similar problem when backing my gelding, he hated every snaffle I tried single jointed, french link so someone suggested a loose ring Waterford snaffle well it worked he was much happier.
I now use a Nueu Schule starter snaffle he loves it and goes really well, although I think his problem was that he wasn't used to any bit and was sensitive.
You say your using a Full cheek but its not telling us what is in his mouth? is it metal does it have a link in the middle, is it single jointed it all makes a difference.
I have bought a few bits from well known auction site just make sure you know what size you need. Good luck
ejbear
Posted - 30 Jun 2010 : 12:44:35 PM hi, Its a full cheek snaffle
sub
Posted - 30 Jun 2010 : 12:35:34 PM What is the mouth piece?
Straight bar, rubber, single link, french link, lozenge etc...
