Which bit should I get?

Question

Tried my mare in a full cheek french link snaffle tonight and was pleased with how she went for the most part. She is still very uptight, but that is mostly her (as she is that way even being led to and from turnout). I've decided to get one for myself (the bit I tried belongs to by barn owner, I just wanted to see how she did in it). She doesn't exactly run through the bit but she doesn't completely yield to it either. Not really worried about breaks or turning as she does all that off voice and leg cues, but she can get kind of strong when she is nervous (like cortoing up to a pole that was casting a shadow made her all wormy and we had to circle a few times because she kept grabbing the bit and ducking out). 

Basically I'm also interested in a Dr Bristol full cheek.

Here is what I had been riding her in (very common style for the breed, it was what she was used to): http://www.horse.com/item/western-bs-silver-dot-med-port-roller-s-shank-bit/E008414/

I'm looking at this one (French Link): http://www.bitofbritain.com/Full_Cheek_French_Link_Bit_p/762.htm

And this one (Dr Bristol): http://www.bitofbritain.com/Dr_Bristol_Full_Cheek_Bit_p/765.htm

Which one do you think I should go with?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

From the information that I can gather in your question I would say stick with the french link (Dr. Bristols are actually a lot harsher than most people think!) She sounds like a well educated, honest horse and the french link is a nice soft bit.

Good luck xx

Bre · Answer

Since she went pretty well in a french link, I personally would choose to stick with that rather than going with the Dr. Bristol.  Dr. Bristol bits are quite a bit harsher than a french link, and ideally your horse should be able to be ridden in the less severe bit if she is comfortable in it, especially since she has brakes and turns from voice and leg cues.  With lots of practice and correct timing on your part, she'll learn to yield to it properly.

The Paso Fino breed is generally pretty high strung, so it would probably be best if you kept her in the less severe bit and just practiced calming her and getting her thoughts on you more when she gets nervous.  It can be scary putting her in situations where you know she may get nervous and jumpy, but the more you practice effectively calming her and getting her to think about you instead of what she's worried about, the easier it will get to have control in those situations... and you won't have the need for a heavier bit.

Becky S. · Answer

Are you direct reining or neck reining?  From the first bit you are currently using, I'd guess neck reining with no contact.  Although you can neck rein in a snaffle, you get quite a bit more precision using a curb bit, at which point I'd say look for a curb bit that works better for her instead of a snaffle.

ETA:  Good heavens, I have a similar curb for my mare.  I don't have any idea how you would even begin to direct rein "lightly" with that bit, there's just no movement to it.

Anyway, if I were you, I'd go as light as possible.  I'd use the French Link over the Dr. Bristol.  If possible, I'd get a French link with a lozenge in the middle.

Fizzgig · Answer

That will come in time with more consistent riding in thr bit you have. Give it some time. :) But I do appreciate a french link because the single jointed bits never worked for my pony.

Sarah · Answer

Try bitless :) its kind and you still have control maybe more than with a bit. I am backing my youngester and useing her rope halter, its working a treat :)

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Which bit should I get?

5 Answers