Talk to me about correction bits

My post was about “better safe than sorry”. Knowing your bit is legal, so you keep a win, instead of getting ruled out with the wrong bit. Common sense is hard to find in many Rules, yet they are the tools we compete under… And lots of folks listen to others who THINK they know the Rules but don’t. Argue even when presented a clearly written Rule opposite to their presumed Rule! It is always the Judge’s fault! Ha ha

I tried the correction bit yesterday. Fritz was wonderfully light and responsive. Great control of his shoulders. He had a wonderfully relaxed and moist mouth. He seemed to like it.

I will add one to my bit collection, and use it from time to time. Thanks for all the helpful advice.

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In Englishspeak, that’s a broken mouth, ported Pelham with curved, solid shank (refers to how the mouthpiece attached, not a loose jaw) . Note it has attachments to allow for both snaffle and curb reins. You would only ever ride on light contact if you were using the snaffle rein

Same action, same purpose, just a different package to match a different discipline. Nobody spends much time on bits and bitting these days. What it is, why it works, when and how to use it. Or not use it. Over in Hunterland, theres a solid dee side “Comfort snaffle” (no curb action) with very, very similar mouthpiece and several port sizes…,and remember the port is primarily tongue relief, doesn’t jam into the roof of the mouth. Something that mild looking, single jointed snaffle can do acting like a nutcracker despite its benign appearance and universal acceptance as “mild and soft”.

Never did like the “correction” name. Misleading to novices who don’t understand the theory behind it, Bits not really going to fix a thing unless it’s in the hands of an educated rideron a properly prepared horse ready to accept the next step in polishing it’s responsiveness. Most just get sucked in by the ads and endorsements and slap it on expecting a majikal fix.

Stepping off soapbox.

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Why is horse DEwormer labeled as “wormer” in catalogs? (Are we really putting worms into our horses?)

Why are bits called “snaffle” bits when they are NOT snaffle bits (have leverage)?

Etc.

There are all sorts of misnomer’s in the equine world. Don’t get hung up on the name.

Again, don’t get hung up on the name. The OP is not asking to correct issues by changing bits, and none of us are suggesting it. The OP is looking to ENHANCE their horse’s training, which is the intention of the “correction” bit.

Just like how you slowly progress from a snaffle to a double bridle in dressage, a western horse progresses from a snaffle to a curb bit (or correction bit).

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This popped up on my FB feed today. I haven’t watched it,but I do like Al and I’m sure it has good information.

http://horseandrider.com/videos/ride-al-correction-bits

Thanks Tee. I really like how Al explains things. I have been lucky enough to be at a talk he did here a few years ago about tack. He really was very informative!

I liked how he said “you’ve spent all this money on a horse, why not have enough bridles ready with those bits you have, so you can just go ahead and use them”! Not that I need any more incentive for tack collecting! :slight_smile:

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I still haven’t watched it, but I love him more for justifying my bridle collection! I don’t like changing out bits, so if I find one I like, I just build a new bridle around it. :slight_smile:

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