This is my horse’s first time out hunting. She’s generally VERY quite in most situations. Someone suggested I use a stronger bit than her happy mouth or comfort snaffle.
Is this really necessary?
hunting bit
I would. My guy goes in home in a happy mouth jointed snaffle, but as a newbie to the hunt i have him out in the field in a low port myler snaffle.
I might have a Dr. Bristol to use.
Gag bit.
The first time I went hunting last fall, I had several people tell me to bit up. My mare goes in a english jumping hackamore. I do tons of other things, trail riding, parades, hunter paces, group trail rides. My mare really hates a bit and can start to act kind of pi**y with a bit. I used the hackamore and she was fine. I think it depends on how well you know your horse.
It depends. When your horse gets excited does she pull or get behind the bit? If your horse has a tendency to get behind the bit, a stronger bit will only make her worse.
I do think it’s better to have brakes . . . than not. I’d go up a notch but not too much. I like to try a big twist or maybe add a running martingale.
Second the running martingale. They can add a little bit more, but by not changing the bit, the horse is happier.
But ALWAYS try the device at home first!!! It’s not good to try an experiment out in public!!!
Well today is the day. Unfortunately I don’t own a running martingale. I did try the Dr. Bristol on for size but didn’t get to ride in it. Hopefully she won’t object to it. I think she’ll be fine 
Wishing you a great day out hunting!!! On my way in a few minutes myself!!
[QUOTE=jawa;5249595]
Wishing you a great day out hunting!!! On my way in a few minutes myself!![/QUOTE]
Thanks! 
Hope you have a great day as well.
Late to the party but I vote practice at home with a stronger bit.
(cough…ahem… cough… guess how I learned that particular lesson. :lol:)
Hope everyone is having a terrific season.
Sparky Boy, How was your day!!! We need details!!!
[QUOTE=jawa;5250846]
Sparky Boy, How was your day!!! We need details!!![/QUOTE]
What a fun day! My girl was a star her first time out! She was quite exuberant the first trot/canter out but settled nicely after that. Hounds running around her legs, the first field galloping by, no problem at all. I was really proud of her. I did use the Dr. Bristol but I think the snaffle would have been fine. If she gets tired of being a show horse, this could be a second career. 
It was a slow day as far as chasing but the weather was lovely and I really enjoyed the company. Great day!
Hope you had a great day as well!
It was a crisp morning and the hounds were eager to find. They opened briefly, but it must have been an old line as it didn’t last long. We moved off to the wetter area of the hunt country. The hounds found after we crossed the creek into the cut over woods that have pines that are about 8-12 feet tall. The music was wonderful to hear. By listening you could tell they were running a large loop in the woods. They circled several times and then they went away from us. We had a good run and then made our way home.
