Also this is your second bit thread. Your last thread you were asking about a slow twist for your 3 year old. I think the majority of the responses are that your issue is not with the bit, but with the training. I think your looking for another response to the same question…
findeight, I am gonna get rid the bungee and start the side reins like you suggested and lunge that way. I think he could go back in the double jointed snaffle then and we can work our way back to happy place undersaddle. Teeth are all good, just checked in Nov 2012 and March this year.
[QUOTE=Rach29;6973166]
costco_muffins, great feedback! My guy and I have been arguing about everyother ride and nothing is getting communicated. I need him to be less argumentative and my thought was this bit may help us accomplish that. Having to half halt or half every few steps leads to an unproductive and frustrating ride. I like to take my guy out of the ring and would like more contact out in the pastures as well. He really likes going out but when he gets bossy and too opinionated, I need to make my point effectively with out hanging on his face.
What bit do you like to use in between using the combo?[/QUOTE]
On the OTTB: Myler comfort snaffle (exact same mouthpiece as the combo, just without the combo elements) in a Hunter Dee.
On the Hunter: For schooling he goes in a French Link with a hunter dee, for showing he is in a waterford with a hunter dee.
For my lesson and drill horse: French link loose ring with the kiddos and hubby, a western version of a Pessoa Gag for foxhunting and gaming
My horse got waaay worse behind the vertical in the combo…FWIW…
Stolen virtue, I know exactly what my threads are seeing as I write them myself. I appreciate constructive feedback. And I am aware he clearly needs more training. My concern and issue is that he isn’t in a good bit for him and I felt someone or several people on here could provide me more insight. As many can agree, biting can be confusing and overwhelming. I have taken away some good ideas from this thread and appreciate those that have been helpful. I have never had any major biting issues prior this gelding and want to “talk em out”.
UPDATE - Back in the curved dee ring snaffle with copper lozenge and ditched the martingale. Several fabulous rides, he is really moving off my leg and into the bridle. Working on him listening to my body cues and he seems much happier and attentive.
I’ve been corresponding with Dale and yes, he recommended that for my green mustang I’ve been riding for six months in a side pull. She hated the Comfort Snaffle. I’m really not willing to bit her up in a complicated outfit. She seemed to like the simple two piece sweet iron snaffle better. Thoroughly confused and since it’s her very first bit, want to make the right choice. I’m just not feeling this combo thing. Will be doing more research. I’m guessing the Combo is the most expensive rig they offer.
Back to basics
If it were me, (and I’ve had OTTBs, they only know how to run through a bit) I would rent Buck Branamman’s DVD about colt starting. Start at ground zero. Teach your horse to give to pressure and see how soft you can get him. I taught my mustang every thing we do in the saddle, on the ground. Bending, giving to pressure, moving the hindquarters and forequarters from a touch of the stirrup, from the ground, before I ever got on her. Saved me a world of hurt. The basics are the basics in whatever discipline you ride. Watching will also help you evaluate a professional trainer if you choose to go that way. Good luck. I love a soft, soft horse.
I have had success with d-ring shallow port mullens on TBs that are fussy with a bit. It is stable, comfortable, and a very simple bit. Here are two examples that I own: http://www.bombers.co.za/bits-by-colour-code/sensitive-tongue-a-head-shakers/bomber-blue/product/2859-dee-bomber-blue.html and http://www.thehorsebitshop.co.uk/product.php?xProd=653. As training advances I move to something with more finesse.
This is a 3 year old thread, OP hasn’t been back at all for over a year.
I’ve always ridden young horses in fat snaffles. My favorite was the hollow mouth full cheek, but you can also find hollow mouth dee rings, and eggbutts (also come in different weights).
I agree with most of the about posts in that it doesn’t seem like a bit problem, it seems like rider error. “Heavy” elbows and educated hands may help this situation.
My love for quiet hands and a soft, responsive horse which steers me away from any kind of combo bits, especially for an unbalanced horse…
