what is your oppinion on John Patterson bits?

Question

i am looking for a new bit for my TB Ex-Racehorse, shes now in a normal Snaffle, but i was looking at the John Patterson bits as they reduce the nutcracker action and so dont hit the roof of the horses mouth.
i would like a bit though that is very slightly stronger than your usual Snaffle....thats not a must but my horse is difficult to hold sometimes on grass and tracks, not strong just very exited.
she has a small mouth and is also rather sensitive.
shes aged so we just hack and pleasure/sponserd rides., and also some fast work.
what would you reccomend, i havent a clue on bits really so im not prepared to just go out and choose one myself.

ps im not brave enough to try this horse in a bitless as has a very spirited nature, nor anything other than a cavesson noseband, nor any martingale as she does not like the feeling of restriction....i found that out already.
ta

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I agree with the other respondant that a French link snaffle would be a good idea, as they get rid of the nutcracker action. 
Personally I prefer loose ring snaffles to eggbutt snaffles. Loose ring snaffles move in the horse's mouth and prevent them from leaning. My pony is a nightmare in an eggbutt snaffle but so much lighter in almost any other bit. However they can be useful if loose ring bits pinch your horse's mouth. They are also extremely mild - my horse is on loan to a riding school and they give her an eggbutt snaffle when beginners ride her.
If your horse is very strong out of the arena, you might like to try a stronger bit such as a Dutch gag with the reins on the middle ring, or preferably two reins (one for snaffle action and one for gag action) if you know how. I would say that this is a temporary solution and you should aim to get her back into a snaffle again by schooling. Make her walk on the tracks, never canter towards home, always walk back over ground you have galloped on, focus on getting her to obey your instructions in the school etc. When you ride outdoors keep her attention on you - you might like to ask her to go in an outline, bend slightly, leg yield a few steps - anything to remind her that you are there and in charge rather than having her thinking about how exciting the great outdoors is. I would keep riding her in the snaffle in the school if she goes well in it.
It sounds like you have a lovely mare and you are doing very well together - keep up the good work!

Wizzybit · Answer

Hi.  Good for you for not wanting the nutcracker action on the so called 'mild jointed snaffle'.  They can sometimes be really vicious.  Try this bit, is really very good and each side works independently.  The full write up is on this site, just follow the link

Anonymous · Answer

hi

i would stay with the snaffle unless she gets really strong in which case you could use a Gag one however if she is very sensitive this may not be a good idea, stay with the snaffle i would.

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what is your oppinion on John Patterson bits?

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