So....I finally found a bit that my horse doesn't hate, but....It's totally redneck..

[Freebird]

And by Redneck, I mean that Vetwrap and double end clips are used to make my homemade Hacka-bit: https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1922157_10202986090509444_450175849_n.jpg

See what I mean? It looks like a lot going on, but it’s just a Sidepull, with the noseband padded - I also have fleece that I put on it as well - with a Myler D ring. I have the the throat latch connected the way it is, because that keeps the Sidepull from slipping and going near her eyes. I have literally tried every bit I can think of on her, and the only bit she even seems to like is a Myler. I know they have a Myler Combo bit, but I wonder if it would be too strong, with the skinny noseband? She is barely 4, and had a rough start - as in, she was a lesson horse as a 1-2 year old. And yes, her teeth were power floated last week. Any thoughts? I am taking her to her first ACTHA ride tomorrow, and am afraid folks will laugh at us, if I ride her in that get up, but when I use just the bit, she has literally no breaks, and I like staying soft with her - especially since she is a youngster. We do loads of transitions, one rein halts, and Dressage figures, which has helped. I have posted about her in the past, I think. She is great on teh trail, but she absolutely hates to trot. She is part TWH, and while she doesn’t rack, she can canter on a dime, and it’s super smooth and comfy. The only thing, is that she wants to canter all.the.time. She isn’t a run away, and she will walk on a loose rein, and is relaxed at the canter. She just hates to trot, and pulls like a freight train when I make her trot.

[ehwaz]

If it works, use it

[imaginique]

I think that’s the wrong link.

[Freebird]

Oh - woops!! Link fixed! Sorry - I was multitasking!

[californianinkansas]

I think that it is very clever. I like it a lot. As long as your horse likes it, the rest of the world can go hang.

[LookmaNohands]

I have done nearly the same thing transitioning a young horse I was starting from the side pull to a bit. I used a spur strap to hang the bit.

English redneck I guess.

[Cindyg]

That does look totally redneck.

But I need something just like that for my horse.

I am going to buy a Myler Combination bit when I can afford one.

[sdlbredfan]

Whatever works! You never know, you might get a bunch of people asking you where they can buy one! (You may be about to start a new sideline business.)

[Freebird]

Oh, spur straps - what a great idea! I’m thinking they would look way better then my double end snaps!!!

[stb]

You might want to look at a Micklem bridle for your horse. The Micklem combination bridle comes with bit clips that keep the bit off the bars of your horses mouth and share rein pressure with the noseband. I’ve been using one with a horse who had some bit trauma in the past and it’s been amazing.

[Freebird]

stb - You know, I really think you may be on to something! The more I look into the Micklem bridles, the more I think my mare would really like it! But, I’m not sure what size to look for? She is in between a cob and pony…

[stb]

I had a regular horse size on a TB with a rather long head, if that helps any. Maybe call and ask about sizing?

[BEARCAT]

That double ended snap looks uncomfortable and like it may rub after a long ride (with the clip hooks rubbing against the skin.) I would replace it with a small leather or biothane strap.

[Freebird]

That’s what I’m afraid of. I am going to try and replace it with a spur strap before this Saturday’s ride. I really want her to go in a normal bridle, with a normal bit, but she’s just not happy unless I ride her in the above contraption. I’m also still looking for a Micklem that won’t break the bank, but I also need another saddle, since mine doesn’t fit her well. Have I mentioned how expensive a free horse can be?? Totally worth though.

[trailpal]

Take a look at this - http://www.horse.com/item/royal-king-half-breed-side-pull-with-bit/SLT901654/?srccode=GPHORSE&gclid=CKT7lfbG5r0CFaVxOgodIh8AoA

I think that if you removed the lower of your sidepull straps and used your spur strap to replace it and attach the bit to the side pull as in the picture, it will also keep the cheeks out of her eyes.

This style of head gear (noseband and bit) is often called a “half breed” and I see it in western catalogs - you might find it with a nicer bit but it seems you could diy with what you have. I was looking at your photo - I can’t tell, is the rein on the bit or the sidepull ring or both?

Good luck, glad you found something that works for your horse!

[Freebird]

I have two reins - one for the bit - and so far she only likes a Mylar D - and one for the sidepull. The double reins are a pain, but they are the only way that I have found, that allows me to stay soft with her, but still have some backup breaks if I need them.

Trailpal - I saw those and liked it, but she is very picky about her bits - can’t say that I blame her, as she was used as a lesson horse at 2…maybe even younger. I think what you are saying about the spur straps may work though - thanks for the ideas!

I LOVE how this sidepull/bitless bridle is designed: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152047474070760&set=a.10151624072045760.616224.369280425759&type=3&theater As I think it would keep the sides from going near the eyes too. I wonder really - why aren’t they all made like this?

[trailpal]

That is a pretty clever sidepull! Since they are handmade by the seller, she might be able to rig something up so that you can incorporate your bit a little smoother.

So, you mostly ride from the sidepull reins and just have the bit reins for emergencies?

I can sure understand a horse being picky on the bit! I used to ride in an english hackamore, that horse and most of the ones I rode at that time really liked it. Then I started riding in bits (I wanted to be a little more precise in what I was asking for) and it was a lot of trial and error, though the french link snaffles turned out to be great. Now I have a horse that seems to hate any kind of movement in his mouth and ride him either in a low, broad port (solid) short-shanked walking horse bit or a mullen mouth snaffle - he likes them both pretty well.

[BigHorseLittleHorse]

Taylored Tack does a ton of custom work and could probably make exactly what you need. They have a bunch of bitless options, including a sidepull bridle with bit hangers. They could probably modify it so that you can attach the bit to the sidepull as well. And they will size it to your horse’s exact measurements for no extra charge. It’s pricey, but the craftsmanship is top-notch and it will last for years.

[Griffyn]

Good for you for finding something that she UNDERSTANDS. Yes eventually she will come to trust your direction in a more “regular” looking bridle. But this is where shes at, and you are meeting her there. I say, wear this bridle for a time and then try something else or buy a specially made bridle for her such as mentioned above. Interested in hearing how your ride goes. I think you are doing the right thing and looks be danged. FWIW, I have a smaller gaited mare whose very hard to bit. She does not like any snaffle bit, I went to one of the ported Mylar w shanks, but it works the best. She likes the tongue relief, I think. She will also go in a sidepull or bitless… but very frustrating to restart her in a bitted bridle. Mr Mylar gave me the suggestion.

[Freebird]

Oops - I thought I had updated this thread about our ride! She was wonderful!!! The only obstacle that we really didn’t finish was the turn on forehand in the box. She threw her head around, and was getting very confused so we just did it as best as we could, as it wasn’t something I had really practiced with her. Other than that she was wonderful. After she relaxed on the trail, I was able to ride her on loopy reins, and she hardly shook her head. I think I will keep her in this for a while, though I may get her a smaller Myler D that doesn’t have hooks if I find one.