Need different bit

[appendix100]

Trainer has me in a pletcher bit in lessons. Horsie does beautifully in it. However…
I show AQHA & the pletcher is not legal for them. Too narrow, & chain in the center.

Mare tends to get behind the vertical in a kimberwick - very sensitive to the curb chain. Tends to get strong & pull when she gets excited in most of the snaffles I’ve had her in, including a waterford. I am fully aware these are training issues, & they are being worked on, but I need something that will allow me a modicum of control at shows while we are working on it.

Need suggestions for something that’s legal for AQHA to show in.

[Demerara_Stables]

This might come across as harsh, but I don’t think you should be showing until the training issues are addressed. Stay home, take some lessons from a good dressage trainer, and teach your horse about working from behind into the bridle and accepting the hand. If the horse is strong in a snaffle, this probably also involves evaluating the horse’s strength in the hind end and possibly having the vet out if the horse can’t/won’t load weight onto the hindquarters to become lighter in the bridle.

[jvanrens]

Does your trainer not have a suggestion for a show legal bit?

[appendix100]

@jvanrens

Does your trainer not have a suggestion for a show legal bit?

Sort of - she is USEF, not AQHA. There are some differences in the rules & what bits are allowed. We are in the process of trying several, but looking for input/ideas. The goal is a nice plain D ring snaffle, but would like to stay alive until we get there…

[endlessclimb]

Can you try a kimberwick with a covered or super duper loose curb chain?

I’d stop riding in the pletcher completely, right now. That bit is so thin that you don’t have a hope of getting her sensitive in a “normal” bit so long as you’re riding in it.

[Simkie]

Is a Pelham legal? If you use two reins, you can choose to only engage the curb when necessary.

[skydy]

What classes are you entering? Are you jumping? It’s difficult to know what is allowed without knowing that.

I second the idea of a pelham, preferably mullen mouth, if you are adept at two reins and if it’s allowed.

[appendix100]

yes it is legal

[appendix100]

@skydy

What classes are you entering? Are you jumping? It’s difficult to know what is allowed without knowing that.

I second the idea of a pelham, preferably mullen mouth, if you are adept at two reins and if it’s allowed.

Just hunter hack, only about 2’.
Pelham is legal, but not sure if I can manage the 2 reins over fences, & the converter seems to defeat the purpose.

[skydy]

How old is your horse and how long have you been riding her?

[Simkie]

@appendix100

Pelham is legal, but not sure if I can manage the 2 reins over fences, & the converter seems to defeat the purpose.

No harm in giving a shot and seeing how you do, and how your horse likes it, outside of a show environment first.

Two reins is really not that hard, I promise

[jvanrens]

@appendix100

Pelham is legal, but not sure if I can manage the 2 reins over fences, & the converter seems to defeat the purpose.

Converters are not allowed:

[appendix100]

@jvanrens

Converters are not allowed:

Don’t see the point to them anyway. If I’m going to use a piece of equipment, going to use it as it was meant to be used

[WNT]

Is using a leather wrapped or soft silicone cover on a loose curb chain an option?

[jvanrens]

@WNT

Is using a leather wrapped or soft silicone cover on a loose curb chain an option?

It doesn’t seem to fall in the prohibited equipment category.

[dmveventer]

@endlessclimb

I’d stop riding in the pletcher completely, right now. That bit is so thin that you don’t have a hope of getting her sensitive in a “normal” bit so long as you’re riding in it.

Agree with this. I’m not opposed to bitting up at shows as part of the training process, but if you’re already bitting up at home that doesn’t leave you many options. I wouldn’t add leverage if your horse responds by curling under, that’s likely to be counterproductive in the long run. I’d switch to a single-jointed snaffle or whatever your end goal bit is at home and work from there. Ideally you’d hold off on showing until you can jump around a course at home and stay in control, but if you want to keep getting the off-site exposure I would stick to flat classes or plan to trot into your lines or circle as needed to keep things from escalating.