What bit do you use....

[silverleprichuan]

What bit do you school in?



What bit do you show in?



Why did you chose this bit

[Haley]

I use a slow twist for both schooling and showing. It's not harsh, but it gives me a little more control than a regular snaffle. However, I just got a new horse, and while I've started him with the slow twist, I think I'm going to switch to a Happy Mouth since he's far calmer than my previous horse. My trainer likes how he goes in the slow twist, but I'd still like to try as soft of a bit as I can. :)

[DixieGirl]

I show and school in western in a full check snaffle. I like this bite because it isn't harsh on your horse's mouth. For english I school in a full cheek snaffle. I don't know if i'll show in this or not.

[Nuttin But Trouble]

In english I school and show in a loose ring happy mouth Western I school in a bosal or a chris cox snaffle and show in the chris cox. I use them because they're not hard on my horses mouth. My horse has a really soft mouth, he used to head toss before I got him because he didn't like the bit. My horse is picky :D .

[Raggle]

I ride Western and use a stainless steel reining bit with a roller for my mare at the moment. So far it's been her favorite, as she absolutely loves playing with stuff and rolls her tongue on it at times. As we both progress I hope to get her into something more comfortable if I can.

[horse_lover]

Horse: Limelight

schooling: either a Kimberwick, loose ring french snaffle, or maybe a slow twist, we are stil testing them out w/ my trainer

Showing: Same as schooling

Why: Limelight Holds the bit with her teeth and barrels along, we are playing with new bits that are stronger than her former loose ring french snaffle, We are going to try putting a flash on her then maybe we can go back to her loose ring french snaffle... we'll see....
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Horse: Amazing Grace

Schooling: Full cheek Happy mouth snaffle

Showing: Full cheek happy mouth snaffle

Why: Gracie has a very sensitive mouth and her problem isn't stoppong it is going unless we are showing, then we just have to actcually use the reins lol

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Horse: Henry

Schooling: Eggbutt french snaffle

Showing: " " "

Why: He is the laziest horse in the world, he rarely gets really fast and the bit works for him both ways, when he is lazy and when he is fast


Ok, I'm done!

[zansgoodnews]

For Maybelline I switch bits constantly because for some reason she doesn't like working in the same bit after a few times using it....so I go through a slow twist, a full cheek snaffle w/rollers, a d-ring snaffle, and weymouth. I plan on showing in the full cheek w/rollers because that's the one she seems to respond to most of the time.

For Geisha all I use is a d-ring snaffle cause she can't stand any other bit and why use a harsher one if she responds to the d-ring. Geisha isn't shown, only schooled.

[snapmyapp]

when im schooling snappy on flexing and bending, along with getting his head locked in I use a simple fat baby snaffle bit

when we're schooling on showing I use a shank snaffle

and when I show- his favorite bit is the fes aluminum spoon iron mouth bit. :] my horse is pretty simple, and doesnt need any ports like some WP peeps use.

[cursivenight]

I use a copper full cheek jointed snaffle bit. I used to use just a regular one, but I found Ringo likes copper a bit better.

I have also ridden him a bitless (NOT a hackamore) bridle, and he's been good in that, but its hard to get him to bend.

My horse has breaks but he takes a bit to slow down haha. We're working on that.

I show in the copper full cheek jointed snaffle.

I've never used anything harsher or softer. I've considered it but never done it.

I love his copper bit <3

[DixieGirl]

In english I school and show in a loose ring happy mouth Western I school in a bosal or a chris cox snaffle and show in the chris cox. I use them because they're not hard on my horses mouth. My horse has a really soft mouth, he used to head toss before I got him because he didn't like the bit. My horse is picky :D .

Cna you tell me more about the Happy Mouth bit please??

[Manda]

I ride in a jointed Kimberwicke.

[crazy4horses]

I ride my little girl in a Kimberwick. I used to ride in a full check snaffle but she was origanly a lesson horse, so she was used to ppl always pulling on her mouth... :( so, I couldn't control her in the snaffle. So, my trainer told me to swicth to a pelhem or kimberwick and I did! She was right, I could control her much better!! I also show in the kimberwick! ;)

[horse_lover]

Cna you tell me more about the Happy Mouth bit please??

a bit with rubber (usually white) around it to make it gentler on the horse's mouth

[*Nothin' But Equestrian*]

I use a full cheek snaffle for riding and showing! :)

[iluvcreek4vr]

I use a sweet iron ring snaffle bit right now to school and show in but i might be switching to a straight bit with D-rings(depending on what my trainer says) to get him to pay more attention to me.

The snaffle is most comfortable for him but i am losing his attention with it so i might be switching in the spring.

[silverleprichuan]

Cna you tell me more about the Happy Mouth bit please??


Happy Mouth bits are made with a soft, and flexible apple-scented plastic which encourages acceptance and softness. Most horses seem to love them, but I've known a few who didn't like plastic.

[Max]

I don't use a bit....or halter.

[silverleprichuan]

I don't use a bit....or halter.


maybe these are old pictures but in the ones on your website (of Timira , Boomer, and Major XTC) you're using both a bridle and a halter.



I don't use a halter when I'm the only one out on the property because I don't need one (she ground ties) but I use one when others are around in case they needed to crosstie her if another horse got out.

[Max]

Your correct they are old pictures except the one with the snaffle and black bridle.We took that one because it was a gift from my dad and we wanted to see how it looked and take a couple pictures.Actually my horse rides with a hackmore.

[silverleprichuan]

Your correct they are old pictures except the one with the snaffle and black bridle.We took that one because it was a gift from my dad and we wanted to see how it looked and take a couple pictures.Actually my horse rides with a hackmore.


so do you use a halter for any ground work or do you prefer to start without a halter even in early stages of groundwork?

DO you use a hackamore or bosal? Or perhaps you're just using the terms interchangable.

Sorry for the 20 questions I just love to hear about people who are going off the beaten path and doing their own thing.

[reneigh]

I switch between a hackamore & a french link snaffle. My mare likes to take the bit and run with it so it's nice when she starts to do that, I can put the hackamore on her and she has nothing to pull on anymore and focuses. The snaffle is really more for training her headset than control. I like the hackamore better for control actually because she CAN'T take the bit and control me with it

[zansgoodnews]

My horses can't stand having a hackamore on them. Not sure why though. Maybe they don't like where it puts pressure. I dunno....but if a hackamore is put on them at all they throw a fit....

[StarGirl]

I ride in a standard O-Ring Snaffle, even up to the night before a show (I ride Western), and then on show day, I have to go by the rules and have a western bit. I use a Tom-thumb for showing (yes, silverleprachaun, I know, you don't approve, I'm sorry) but I have absolutely no contact with her mouth when that bit is in. I am, however, looking to get a more gentle bit for shows that I can legally show with, I'm asking my trainer (keep forgetting, shame on me :( ) for help with bit selection.

Good thread, btw.

[Max]

so do you use a halter for any ground work or do you prefer to start without a halter even in early stages of groundwork?

DO you use a hackamore or bosal? Or perhaps you're just using the terms interchangable.

Sorry for the 20 questions I just love to hear about people who are going off the beaten path and doing their own thing.

Well for your first question, I start in a round pen free lunge( this is assuming I can get him into the round pen meaning I already taught him how to lead).The halter is on but it doesn't have the lead rope attached, it comes in handy.I start by lunging them and getting them warmed up, when I lunge them I want to get them turning into me instead of the fence.It teaches them they don't need to be fearful of me just because I have a stick and it teaches them respect to turn and face me.At this time I will be teaching them to follow me around without the leadrope.Also depending on where the horse is in his training I will snap the lead rope on and begin teaching a horse to yield, hindquarters, forequarters, backing ect....I also desensitize them to tarps, loud noises, vacuums, leaf blowers, plastic bags, ect... I will also begin flexing they're head from side to side, them giving a little more each time.I will work on this until they are ready for the Hackamore.And of course I will teach them barn manners on a daily basis.

To answer your second question, a Hackamore consists of a Bosal, a Mecate and a hanger/headstall and depending on how the Bosal hangs on the horses head sometimes a fiador.Also a Mecate originated from horsehair twisted into several small strands (usually 6-8 sometimes more) which are then twisted together into a 22ft. long rope, thus anything else that is claimed to be a mecate such as a nylon rope is not a true mecate.
( figured I'd add that in since it's a common mistake and we're on the subject)

[Max]

I switch between a hackamore & a french link snaffle. My mare likes to take the bit and run with it so it's nice when she starts to do that, I can put the hackamore on her and she has nothing to pull on anymore and focuses. The snaffle is really more for training her headset than control. I like the hackamore better for control actually because she CAN'T take the bit and control me with it


A Hackamore (not mechanical) is a very very very sensitive device, and is not designed to control the horse.It comes from the the old Californio style horsemanship, originating from the Mexicans before the USA was born.it was designed because the old Vaquero's(Mexican word that is pronounced now as buckaroo, meaning cowboy)would start a horse around the age of four when they're teeth were coming in so they couldn't have a bit in their mouth also it was a preparation for the Spaid bit, Half Breed, Grazer or Chileno bit.It is designed so that when you pick up the reins it changes the neutral zone and causes the horse to tuck and get his head into the correct place for working if used improperly or heavy handed a horse will lose it's sensitivity or worse learn he can run through it which will ruin any chance of having a Hackamore horse.A Hackamore is a big bluff your horse should never see through.Also a horse will get confused when you first put a Hackamore on or irritated because he has to learn how to move again.With their head tucked they are unsure of how to place their feet, this takes time in fact it can take up to three years or more to have a working Hackamore horse.Some horses never get past a Hackmore.There is a certain way to use a Hackamore, when the old vaqueros were still around they considered anyone under the age of 40 was considered unknowledgeable.To expand on how to use the hackamore for its original design, message me and I can send you some links.Also while we're on subject, a Mechanical Hackamore is not used to control a horse either.It's design was for sole purpose of breaks, it was ment to twist the horses nose between the chin strap and the noseband and cut the horses air off and occationally break the horses cartilage in their nose, that is why you will see them have eight inch shanks on it.

[silverleprichuan]

I ride in a standard O-Ring Snaffle, even up to the night before a show (I ride Western), and then on show day, I have to go by the rules and have a western bit. I use a Tom-thumb for showing (yes, silverleprachaun, I know, you don't approve, I'm sorry) but I have absolutely no contact with her mouth when that bit is in. I am, however, looking to get a more gentle bit for shows that I can legally show with, I'm asking my trainer (keep forgetting, shame on me :( ) for help with bit selection.

Good thread, btw.


lol. I have little issue with someone who does all of their work in a snaffle then uses a TT for showing. Because of the balance issues that surrond the TT I dislike seeing people train with it, but if you need it for a show then I understand.

I always love to hear from western people who do most if not all of their schooling in a snaffle and then just use a curb for shows.

[silverleprichuan]

Well for your first question, I start in a round pen free lunge( this is assuming I can get him into the round pen meaning I already taught him how to lead).The halter is on but it doesn't have the lead rope attached, it comes in handy.I start by lunging them and getting them warmed up, when I lunge them I want to get them turning into me instead of the fence.It teaches them they don't need to be fearful of me just because I have a stick and it teaches them respect to turn and face me.At this time I will be teaching them to follow me around without the leadrope.Also depending on where the horse is in his training I will snap the lead rope on and begin teaching a horse to yield, hindquarters, forequarters, backing ect....I also desensitize them to tarps, loud noises, vacuums, leaf blowers, plastic bags, ect... I will also begin flexing they're head from side to side, them giving a little more each time.I will work on this until they are ready for the Hackamore.And of course I will teach them barn manners on a daily basis.

To answer your second question, a Hackamore consists of a Bosal, a Mecate and a hanger/headstall and depending on how the Bosal hangs on the horses head sometimes a fiador.Also a Mecate originated from horsehair twisted into several small strands (usually 6-8 sometimes more) which are then twisted together into a 22ft. long rope, thus anything else that is claimed to be a mecate such as a nylon rope is not a true mecate.
( figured I'd add that in since it's a common mistake and we're on the subject)


Your methods are very similar to that of my barn mangers and she has yet to turn out a bad horse. Even the green ones are very well-mannered and less spooky then most finished horses.
I didn't get my mare until she was 8 but we went back and did most of what you had listed (she's still iffy on clippers and vaccume cleaners) and it really improved her manners and confidence.

[Max]

Your methods are very similar to that of my barn managers and she has yet to turn out a bad horse. Even the green ones are very well-mannered and less spooky then most finished horses.
I didn't get my mare until she was 8 but we went back and did most of what you had listed (she's still iffy on clippers and vaccume cleaners) and it really improved her manners and confidence.

What does your barn manager do when he/she trains?

I'm always curious when it comes to new perspectives when training horses.

[silverleprichuan]

What does your barn manager do when he/she trains?

I'm always curious when it comes to new perspectives when training horses.


I guess the best comparison would be Clinton Anderson but she doesn't need any special equipment, she just uses whatever is availible. The biggest things she concentrates on are obedience and confidence.
Her horses spend many horse tied to a paitience tree because many of them will become kids ponies and they need to learn to stand whenever and wherever for however long, without fidgeting.
She also does a lot of work with tarps, plastic bags, umbrellas, loud music, and reflective material (many of our jumps have horseshoes nailed onto them so they reflect the light).

By the time her daughters pony was finished he'd be on 15+ trail rides, 5 hunterpaces, dozens of shows as a companion, and had spent countless afternoon trotting around the ring bareback with an older rider. As a result he is only 7 yet is the pony that all beginners start on and is completely trustworthy in all situations.

[TVF Maggie]

I use a D-ring corkscrew for home and shows

[DixieGirl]

a bit with rubber (usually white) around it to make it gentler on the horse's mouth

I have seen ones with plastica around the mouth. I don't know if they aregood for horses or not. :confused:

[PrissyBritches]

Chy - Full Cheeck Snaffle

Britches - D-ring

Tazza - Either a D-ring or hackamore

I dont belive in harsh bits. ;)

[mandyicequeen14]

idk what kinda snaffle i use on bunny

[moniexponie]

I use a slow twist d-ring on Broc. He used to go in just a normal d-ring, but when we started training for the jumpers, we needed to get something a little more effective. He hates going round, and he totally ignored my leg to hand signals when he went in the d-ring.
I do however still show him in the non twist d-ring when we're doing hunter classes, because his head and nose can poke out more than in the jumpers. ^^

Tannis goes in the fattest loose ring snaffle I've ever seen. lol

[Max]

I guess the best comparison would be Clinton Anderson but she doesn't need any special equipment, she just uses whatever is availible. The biggest things she concentrates on are obedience and confidence.
Her horses spend many horse tied to a paitience tree because many of them will become kids ponies and they need to learn to stand whenever and wherever for however long, without fidgeting.
She also does a lot of work with tarps, plastic bags, umbrellas, loud music, and reflective material (many of our jumps have horseshoes nailed onto them so they reflect the light).

By the time her daughters pony was finished he'd be on 15+ trail rides, 5 hunterpaces, dozens of shows as a companion, and had spent countless afternoon trotting around the ring bareback with an older rider. As a result he is only 7 yet is the pony that all beginners start on and is completely trustworthy in all situations.

It sounds like your barn manager and I would get along quite well.Your right we do about the same things.I actually got started into horse training off a couple off Clinton Andersons DVDs, he got me started and I just kept progressing from there.

[Alwaysridin09]

Well, Warrior needs something a bit stronger because he can be difficult to ride. I don't remember exactly what he uses becuase, unforunately, I can't ride him anymore. :(

Legs, she is such an easy horse, she just goes well in a snaffle. She's a Breeze :D

[aseno436]

What bit do you school in?
Reba - Dee Ring Corkscrew Snaffle
Storm - Loose Ring Snaffle

What bit do you show in?
Reba - Rubber Mouth Pelham
Storm - Dee Ring Slow Twist Snaffle

Why did you chose this bit?
For Reba at home, the corkscrew gives me the amount of control I need for her and helps me keep her head up, otherwise I'm more than likely going to get dumped. At shows the pelham gives me a bit more control because she tends to be a bit harder to handle at shows, as most horses are. Storm uses a loose ring at home just to school in because mostly he's just a baby still, but again the slow twist gives me a bit more control at shows as he is only a few months off the track (still he has the best mind in a thoroughbred that i've seen in a really long time).

[snapmyapp]

clinton anderson is a horse training god.
his silly lil tieing loop thing is a lifesaver because snappy is stupid and wont tie. :| and he's 7

and has anybody ever seen that boy live?!?! wooowza. whhat a nice pair of butt hugging wranglers he's got LOL! BUAHAHAA! ^___^

but nah, he's not OUT THERE, is work is super effective, since he DOES show reining and whatnot. so its very nice.

and this other guy tim garland?? some arab trainer on RFDTV is super good too :]

[Kalena]

What bit do you school in?
Summer went in a simple D-ring
Junior- French link D-ring (flat), Corkscrew (jumping)
Scooter & Vespa - both go in a simple D-ring


What bit do you show in?
Summer - simple D ring
Junior - Corkscrew (show)
Scooter & Vespa - both go in a simple D-ring

Why did I choose this?
Summer - she is quiet and very sensitive to all aids, so never have to worry about getting her to listen to my hands or any aids.
Scooter - only coming 4yo, he has schooled at show yet has yet to show. I will take him to his first one this spring. Anyways, he goes really well, he can get strong, but I think I will put a martingale on him before I change the bit.
Vespa - she is only 2yo, hasn't ever been off the property, so doesn't need a bit to show in.
Junior- Like the frenh link for dressage and flat work, but got a little strong jumping, and went very nice in a corkscrew.

[Beth&Gem]

Depends Really

Schooling Loose ring snaffle

Showing: Weymouth,Pelham,Snaffle

Jumping: 4 Ring Bubble Snaffle

My ponies are strong when jumping
But not in flatwork
Ponies Try Charging off at shows or racing so i need control!!! :rolleyes:

[cowgirlqtpie]

I run barrels and I use a signiture bit it is a twisted broken peice snaffle with a short shank and a high set curb chain. i chose this bit because i typically ride horse that are very highstrung and very hyper and bits like this help wit control especially short shank. in poles i use a simple wonder bit because the horse i ride is very heavy handed and if i pul to much she likes to rear on both my roping horses i use a medium shank correction because they are kinda on the slow side in thier brains so this bit helps me make the response faster......

[Haley]

I have seen ones with plastica around the mouth. I don't know if they aregood for horses or not. :confused:

Rubber/HappyMouth bits are so much better on the horse's mouth; they're far softer.

[alliekk]

It's sad to see how many people use the bit for control! A bit should be for guidance, not to control your horse. A bit is only as harsh as the hands that use it. I use a D-ring snaffle with copper rollers and it works great for all of my horses. My sister's NSH mare is HOT HOT HOT, but she knows that just because she has a nice bit doesn't mean she needs to rush through it. I used to use a Tom Thumb on Shaz, and he seemed to work well in it, but I could never get him to stay collected on a loose rein. Then I read about the flaws a Tom Thumb has and now I don't use it anymore. Shaz can work just fine in a snaffle, and if I want to take him to a show I can just say he is 5. Most judges cant tell, and they're only local shows anyway! The judges don't get paid enough around here to do a bit inspection anyways, only if it looks inhumane will they check it out. So yeah, I school and show in a D-ring snaffle with copper rollers. No need for anything more.

P.S. and just to clarify, I know that some people use harsher bits for fine tuning, but using a harsh bit for everyday riding seems a little excessive.