What bit is the right bit?

[californianinkansas]

[QUOTE=emilia;7727684]
If you read other OP’s threads, perhaps, you would agree that the only suggestion she should be getting is to find an experienced horseperson to help her learning more about horses and horsemanship so that this horse does not end up for sale in a year or so (like the last one).

Not “hoping to take lessons,” but actually taking them (and building a network of trusted horse people).

She does not need a GP trainer, just someone with good base horse knowledge, who could help her to realize, for instance:

1. The process of figuring “horse buttons” is best started on ground- first, in halter, then in-hand in snaffle and go from there to see what level the training is and which holes might need to be filled.
2. There is a huge difference between an action of a snaffle and a curb (plus, differences within these categories). One cannot use curb like a snaffle and the snaffle is what the OP seems to be used to primarily (judging from her remark on Endurance Forum about her use of contact).
3. While anatomy of horses’ mouths is generally similar, there might be enough individual difference to grant the need for a very particular bit.

Participation on a BB cannot replace a real person on the ground, especially for a relatively inexperienced horse person.

For general knowledge, even books, such as “True Horsemanship Through Feel” or B. Brannaman’s DVDs would be better. For English riding, I like Philippe Karl or Racinet, but it is not everybody’s cup of tea. For Forward Seat, that could be Littauer or G. Morris.

I am not writing this “sitting on my high horse.” When I came to the US, I quickly realized I had a lot to learn despite years spent in a well operated dressage club. The riding scene here is more varied and this variety also demonstrates itself in large selection of tack.

For instance, I only knew a snaffle and a double bridle. So, when I was introduced to a three year old QH in a gag, I was so naïve, I almost bought the animal! I never saw a bit like that before.

I was fortunate enough to have people around me, who first laughed, then helped me to get out of the deal (I went to look alone). This mistake cost me quite a bit, but it would be way worse, if I got stuck with that horse, possibly unable to improve him, and then sent him down the road.

Let me repeat that experienced horse people who one can actually regularly meet in person are indispensable (and one does not even have to agree with everything they say).

I sincerely hope, this horse is going to work out. His sale ad as a four year old describes him as a very level headed animal- a perfect one to learn ropes on.

OP, for his sake, find someone close to you, who will watch over you, while you are on your journey together. Good Luck!

ETA: If you will be looking for an English saddle for him, you will probably need wide tree, possibly a hoop tree, such as Black Country or Duett make. You can check Trumbull Mountain for some info and, if saddles are hard to find locally, you can send them tracings and they might help you to choose. In case, you liked Duetts best, I would recommend to deal with Nancy directly. It is easy to find either of these two by a simple search.[/QUOTE]
This!:yes:

[Aces_N_Eights]

[QUOTE=emilia;7727684]
If you read other OP’s threads, perhaps, you would agree that the only suggestion she should be getting is to find an experienced horseperson to help her learning more about horses and horsemanship so that this horse does not end up for sale in a year or so (like the last one). [/QUOTE]

I did not read the OP’s other threads prior to responding. I was going off the information given in this thread.
Now after skimming through her other threads, I see exactly where you are coming from! :eek:
My apologies.

[Beverley]

Emilia has a good point, but you know, the OP didn’t ask for that advice, just the question on bits, and how often do you know people to welcome unsolicited advice?

[Emilia]

[QUOTE=Beverley;7727895]
… how often do you know people to welcome unsolicited advice?[/QUOTE]

Good point, Beverley, almost never!

I am still learning to feel of the BB. I am now at the point of being able to stay out of the OT forum for the most part as well as out of the most inflammatory threads on the other forums.

In this case, I could not help it. I already got entangled in the initial “search for a new horse” thread. I could not separate that knowledge from the question about the bit.

I got a plenty of unsolicited horse related advice (among others) and, while perhaps initially fuming over it, I would later cool down and let the info sink. Many, if not most, times, the people giving the advice had a very good point and I adjusted accordingly.

[Beverley]

[QUOTE=emilia;7727923]
I got a plenty of unsolicited horse related advice (among others) and, while perhaps initially fuming over it, I would later cool down and let the info sink. Many, if not most, times, the people giving the advice had a very good point and I adjusted accordingly.[/QUOTE]

I don’t disagree with you on that at all, on the merits. On anything, people say something that you say ‘heck no’ about, but most of the time, at least for me, I do think about it after like you I stop fuming. Of course in these parts we’re all pretty much ‘unknowns’ so free advice, well, you always get your money’s worth! But I know it can be pretty annoying to start a thread that says ‘how do I tie my shoe’ and you get ‘don’t tie the shoe,’ ‘go barefoot,’ buy loafers and then you can wear shoes without tying them,’ ‘have you considered sandals, they are much more comfortable,’ and so forth. For sure there are no ‘rules’ against posting what we like, but I do make an effort to just answer the OPs question, most of the time, I hope.

[SpottedTApps]

Emilia is right, of course, for the original poster or anyone who doesn’t have a “Live” group of horse people. I know people who have owned horses for 20 years, but have never done anything with them besides what they do at their own property and have never learned a single thing more than what they learned when they purchased those horses.

Just when you think you know enough to get by, you find out you don’t. Everyone should have a live network of horse people to learn from.

[kkmrad94]

Just wanted to post some resolution to the whole bit thing so that everyone knows. I tried him in the level 2 myler bit with the shanks and he did well. He was nervous on the trail but he didn’t seem to have any issues with the bit at all.

As for the posts about my other horse that I had to sell. If you have any questions or assumptions that you want answered about how his training was handled feel free to message me and I can fill you in on any of the information you have questions about instead of assuming that I just gave up on him and sold him without exhausting all my options.

[SuckerForHorses]

Emilia - I just want to say that I have loved every post you’ve made, even if I didn’t necessarily agree with the content being posted. You always handle your posts so diplomatically, and in a kind manner. I’ve been impressed with all of them since you joined the bulletin board!

[Emilia]

Thank you, SuckerForHorses, for your nice words. I aspire to follow in footsteps of moderate COTHers, who are able to participate in the discussions in a calm, possibly productive manner (and I don’t have to necessarily agree with them either). By nature, I am a hothead, so it is a lot of work!

[Emilia]

Thank you, SuckerForHorses, for your nice words. I aspire to follow in footsteps of moderate COTHers, who are able to participate in the discussions in a calm, possibly productive manner (and I don’t have to necessarily agree with them either). By nature, I am little hotheaded, so sometimes, it takes effort, ha, ha.

[KIloBright]

I would first assess the horse in a plain snaffle, to see if he is ready to advance to a curb. The reason for going to a curb, is that ahorse has graduated tot he point that he can be ridden one handed, on a loose rein and mainly off of seat and legs, in all man-overs and gaits while keeping body alignment correct
It should not be for control, but rather for increased finesse
Trainers like Bob Avila, if they run into a glitch, or are teaching something new, even if that horse is in a curb, they go back to the plain snaffle
Beyond that, there are curbs that are better then others, far as introducing a horse to some curb pressure. I like the Reinsman loose jawed colt bit for this

Far as a ‘finished’ horse, whether that horse stays in a jointed curb or one with a port, often depends on the preference of that horse. Some horses hate any tongue pressure and are much happier in a port
To understand what curb to eventually go to , you need to learn how curbs function, beyond the leverage principle
Length of purchase to total shank length
angle of the shanks, far as severity and signal time
Loose jawed or fixed shanks
The balance of that mouth piece itself
If you google , there are some great sites explaining signal time, and severity of various features, and how bits are graded
Yes, I know, the severity of any bit depends on the hands on those reins and the education of that horse’s mouth , BUT, you have to standardize those two components,assuming the same horse and same hands, or no way could bits be graded