Hi there, I have an older mare. She is a very well behaved horse, in her early 20s. I’ve had her for years, and always was just told by a trainer I had at the time to use a plain snaffle bit on her, however when she wants to go she can get away with it. On trail rides, at horse shows etc. when settings have changed I’ve had trouble stopping her with the bit. It’s not major, she just fast walks and won’t completely stop immediately. That’s what I’ve used and it’s worked for the most part when I’m just trail riding at home or in the arena. I do notice lately that she’s fighting me on stopping at home however. I’m not very knowledgeable on bits and am looking for advice on what to try. I wanted to try western pleasure (maybe, I mostly just trail ride at this point) and was told older horses can’t wear snaffles? Is a snaffle not appropriate for this mare?
This sounds more like a training problem than a bit problem, and by now she’s pretty committed to the behavior. Here’s a link to a video that might give you some ideas to try: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC85epItWyc The first part of the video is ground exercises, but there are ridden exercises towards the end.
That is correct, as an older horse she can not be ridden in a snaffle, or two handed.
I agree with @OzarksRider. Any chance you can take lessons?
I’ve never heard this before . . . can you explain why? Is it because of teeth?
My riding horse is 20. I ride western, usually with a curb bit. I also have a snaffle that I occasionally use and he goes fine with it, although I do have the impression that he prefers the curb bit.
It’s the rules for showing. It has nothing to do with the horse.
@appaloosalover1, can you give more details about the snaffle? Specifically, what type of mouthpiece does the bit have? Technically, a snaffle is any bit without shanks, and a curb bit is any bit with shanks. A curb bit and a snaffle bit can have the same mouthpiece. It may be that your mare would be happier with a different mouthpiece.
Thank you . . . I learned something new today!!
OP, can you be more specific?
Are you riding in a TRUE snaffle bit like this example (with NO shanks) or are you riding in a bit with a broken mouthpiece that has shanks like this example?
There’s a big difference on those two bits. Can you post a picture of what you are currently using?
Now as far as the bit goes, you do want to use something that the horse is going to respect, without you having to pull on them. But at the same time, the bit is only your tool. You have to be trained and your horse has to be trained on how to use the tool properly.
Are you taking lessons from this “trainer” you speak of?
Correct in that if you want to show your horse in western pleasure, you have to show with one hand on the reins (with the reins held properly) and your horse has be wearing a bit with shanks. There are rules for tack including bits on what is legal and what is ILLEGAL in the show pen. Again, if you have a trainer to take lessons from, this will help greatly.
