I usually ride with a Myler comfort d-ring snaffle but I think as an older rider I need more whoa than go out on the trail. I’m thinking of a d-ring snaffle with a twist. Any input?
As a general rule using a bit as a “disk brake” vice it’s intended use as a “communication device” begins a walk on a road that can have a bad ending.
Is there an issue? I use this same type of bit and have had only limited times where I felt like I needed more. When I did I went to a Pelham with the same mouthpiece and added a second set of reins. That allows me to either “speak normally” or use a “parade ground voice” depending on how the horse is responding. While it’s true that the power of any bit lies primarily in the hand on the rider adding things like more aggressive mouthpieces that are always “on” even if not in actual use would not be an alternative I’d choose first.
Do you take regular lessons or have a regular coach? Let them watch you and see if there are areas where your technique in using the aids, each and in concert with others, needs to be addressed.
Thank you for a good question for a first post. We’ve been getting a bunch of trolls lately. Nice to have one that isn’t! 
G.
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Under what conditions are you having trouble stopping? Are you galloping through fields?
The problem with stronger bits is that it may keep the horse from going, but if the horse still WANTS to go, you end up with behaviors like jigging, bucking, head tossing, rearing, etc. since the horse is being prevented from doing what it wants.
I have one horse who has “going home” gaits when we turn for home. He is a reformed rearer/bucker and is quite the firecracker. My trails are wooded and narrow, so not much room to school or train. When he gets up in the bridle, I simply ask for a left bend, then a right bend, and when he relaxes I leave him alone.
I don’t take a horse out on a trail until it’s 100% good on the aids in the ring and in a home field with nothing stronger than a very mild bit.
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I’m an older rider also and use a Myler Comfort Snaffle. I don’t have any problems and never feel I need more bit. It’s all in the training. Does your horse respond to a one rein stop? If not, you would be wise to train it. It has saved my butt more than once! It’s rare that a stronger bit will solve a problem. I sent my mare to a trainer (because she was a bit of a basket case when I bought her) and he did a wonderful job with her. She is very light on the bit. If you don’t know how to train the one rein stop maybe you can find a good trainer or experienced person to help you. It’s so much safer than going to a stronger bit.
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I agree with all of the above. I would add that with a good trainer you can learn to use your body/seat instead of your hands for downward transitions. I was a trail rider for many years and was glad when I finally learned to use my seat and core more. Was good for all. Save the mouth, it’s the only one you have!
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My mare goes beautifully in a Little S hack 99% of the time. However, I put a 2 Ring Myler Combo on her for the first loop of an endurance ride because if I don’t she’ll kill my arms and use too much of her energy in the first part of the ride. It’s not a harsh bit but enough that I can get her attention. I can train all I want but when you put a whole bunch of very fresh, super fit horses together and say go- having that little bit extra whoa available on a very competitive horse is quite helpful.
For just trail riding, I’d go with the more training. But if you’re out foxhunting or doing a bunch of galloping or working super technical trail where if you need brakes you need it right now, I’d look at the bit that matches what your horse is doing to evade. Is he just simply pulling? or does he drag you down and pull or go giraffe style? Personally I’m not a big fan of the bits with twists in the mouth piece, esp a slow twist, as they pretty much just work on the ouch it hurts principle. I’m quite fond, however, of using something like a gag-snaffle with 2 reins or an old fashioned pelham (no bit converter!!!). Both of those options give you a little extra if you need it but still have the ability to ride off the snaffle rein for general purposes.
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Thank you everyone! You have actually reassured me that my first choice is best. My mare is a rescue but was only green broke at 8. Since I’ve had her she has done super in the arena and drives off my leg easily. We have been using the “pulley stop.” We have been looping pastures for practice and she’s pretty calm. My friend’s horse tripped and fell to her knees and it spooked her a bit and we had a discussion about if we were going to the barn right then. We didn’t but we did quite a few circles on our way back. My friend is the more experienced trail person but it made me wonder about using a bit with more correction like the one she uses.
But it also brings up the question of how much and what kind of preparation should there be before trail riding? How do you get the experience without going on the trail? I have abviously been doing arena work and LOTS of ground work. I want to be sure we are BOTH safe on the trails.
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Riding with a quiet, experienced horse or two is the best preparation I can think of. My present gelding is a bit “reactive.” He goes much more calmly with a calm companion. That’s the basic training. The “bridge” will come when we part ways for short periods and we get him to relax even though he’s “alone” (which he isn’t; I’m there ). Then over time we’ll do more by ourselves.
Due to my age (70+) we’re going slower than we would if I were 20+!!!
G.
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Training, not a harsher bit. They can just learn to push through the harsher one. I’m all for using something you feel safe in though. I do not like twists-they are abrasive, some more than others. I think if you need a bit more whoa you might have better luck with a Kimberwicke, which has a little leverage to it. Otherwise stick to the Myler or another snaffle. If your horse is responsive to legs and seat and can neck rein at all, an Argentine bit is a nice step up.
As far as trail training- groundwork, desensitizing, and miles. I spent a lot of time leading my mare on the trail, by myself, as well as riding with others. I do think the alone time is really beneficial.
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IF needed I agree with the pelham and two reins. In my case my mare will go giraffe, tighten her back, and jig, especially on the way home. With the pelham (a simple mullen mouth with very short shanks) I can give a few little half halts on the curb and the poll pressure + the curb action remind / encourage her to drop her head which then relaxes the back and the jigging stops. I first introduced this in the ring so the correct reaction would be there, then used it on the trail.
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Great ideas. I keep a riding journal where I write down what I do and why and if it worked out according to plan…Hurray! This week I’m planning on working on the stop in the arena and have a friend who will ride first in the arena and then go out in pasture. I have walked alongside Luna in the fields and done some lunging out there as well. After that I will revisit the bit if necessary. BTW has anyone heard of or used a Butterfly bit? New to me…just curious. There is a saying that’s quoted frequently in reference to sweethearts but I think of also in reference to my mare. Makes me smile… “Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.” Many happy trails for us all!!!
You have two questions. First, if I am going to “bit up” I generally go to something with two reins so I can ride off the snaffle rein and use the curb rein for emergencies. Most of the time, your horse goes fine in your regular bit unless YOU get nervous. I assume you’re not going out to gallop the first few times so I would think of it more as a confidence builder for you if you use a big twist snaffle. Personally, I always teach my horse a “slow down” verbal cue and also teach them to respond to a neck strap. Then you’re not depending on a bit. I also teach all horses a one-rein stop so that they have an emergency break (keep in mind that I foxhunt so we are out and moving fast a lot of the time).
As for getting trail practice, it’s always best to ride with a friend who has a “Steady Eddie” type of horse to help give your horse confidence. However, I’ve started several OTTBs on trails and rarely had anyone to ride with. I started with short, safe loops, mostly on wooded trails. We walked until it became boring and then added some trotting. For the real Nervous Nellies I sometimes started by handwalking on the trails. A couple of the OTTBs had never seen nature before so there were some scary rocks and squirrels out there!
All my horses learned to be good trail buddies. It just took patience, practice and lots of miles.
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Thanks for the encouragement!! We are going to take as long as it takes…I just need to breathe in AND out!!!
To prep for trail riding, I desensitize with a plastic bag and whip, and make sure the horse is really good with movement and noise above his head. I also pull a drag around. Think about what else you might encounter on the trails - dogs, bikes, vehicles (road crossing), tents, fishermen, babies in backpacks, inner tubes/flotation devices if you are near a swimming hole, etc. Horse should stand still happily and be mounted from both sides. If you need to get off and drag a branch off the trail he should cooperate.
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