Bits....

[DixieGirl]

I was wondering if riding in a D-Ring Snaffle would suitable for my horse? We just ride around in the yard and do little shows. Is there something bad about them? I can't decide rather to use a D-Ring Snaffle or a Full Cheek Snaffle. Please Help me (I'm lost)!!


Thanx!

[HappyHorse13]

D rings are mild :].

I would PM Silver about it.

:].

[moniexponie]

lol Silver does know best. xD

D-rings are a very mild bit - as long as they aren't too thin and aren't twisted.

Full cheek snaffles apply pressure on the muzzle [?] when you ask your horse to turn a certain way [correct me if I'm wrong Silver].

I've always found d-rings look cuter. Full cheeks take up too much room one your horses face. >.<

[DixieGirl]

Is this a D-Ring Snaffle?? I beleive it is. All I want to do with my horse is just play around in this bit. Do you think this bit would be ok to do this in? We do little jumps (9 inches) and W/T/C around my yard. Please Help!

Here is the link to the bit....http://www.statelinetack.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=SLT733311%20475

I always like my horses to have the copper mouth or copper rollers that whay I'm asking about this bit. :)

[silverleprichuan]

haha wow I feel honored :p .


If your horse is going well in a Copper Roller D ring then I would stay with that bit. Copper enhances salivation, rollers encourage a soft jaw, and D rings can help with steering.
If your horse has issues with steering then a full cheek offers a greater area to put pressure on the opposite side to aid with turning. A full cheek is almost always a good option but in this case I'd keep your horse in the D ring unless you start experiencing some problems.

[DixieGirl]

Well, I'm just starting English riding and don't know what bit to use. I use a Tom Thumb for western pleasure. Any help Silver??

[silverleprichuan]

Well, I'm just starting English riding and don't know what bit to use. I use a Tom Thumb for western pleasure. Any help Silver??


While I'm not a big fan of the TT (I can provide further information if you are curious), there are worse bits out there and if your horse goes well in the TT that's the most important thing. In general it is best to start out in the most mild bit when transitioning to english.
A couple bits that may work well for you:
Copper Roller D Ring
Smooth Full Cheek Snaffle
Smooth Loose Ring snaffle
French Link Eggbutt Snaffle

Is there anyone who might have these bits already? It's always nice to tryout a bit before you committ to buying one.

[DixieGirl]

I know my horse has been in a Full Cheek Snaffle before but thay are really expensive for the copper mouth. And about the TT, my trainer likes that bit and it;s not like we are always on our horses mouth.

[Haley]

I would definitely stay with a dee ring, or even an eggbut. If your horse is usually very mild, and you don't have to pull on his mouth a lot, a softer bit is definitely ideal.

[DixieGirl]

Yeah because I can ride her in a halter and she does fine. I don't want to have to use something I don't need to. ;) For the safety of my horse.

[hoovesfirst]

i totaly agrea! :D

[DixieGirl]

Thanks. I have seen horses with HUGE bits in their mouth and can't stand it!!

[DixieGirl]

Anymore replies? :confused:

[Barrelbabe_23]

I know this wont help at all but my friend know the women who owns the rescue center and when she ride she uses halters and brildle with no bit and it works..lol

[DixieGirl]

yeah, a bitless bridle. I was thinking of buying one but I didn'y.

[crazy4horses]

I agree with everyone else! I pretty sure that a D ring bit is mild. Besides, I think you can show english pleasure with it! ;) I was riding Tia (my horse) in a full check snaffle and she would just ignore it!! Now, I ride in a Kimberwick and she's MUCH better! I would go with the D ring! :)

[DixieGirl]

Yeah. I know a lady that has a big time show horse and she uses that bit.

[Kalena]

I prefer D rings to anything. Full cheeks are nice, but I don't really like them on hunters even though they are used. If your horse is pretty mellow, doesn't pull on you or pull some goofy stuff in the show ring, then I wouldn't worry about a full cheek as it is a bit sharper than a simple D-ring. Eggbuts are nice, but hunter rings really don't like them and they are not as good as the D-ring. Kimberwicks have their moments when you need them, but personally I don't like them. If your horse is ignoring the simple D-ring, I would try a slow twist or corkscrew before moving on to the harsher bits.
Bitless bridles are actually really nice, I have seen some eventers personally that went really well in them.

[silverleprichuan]

I prefer D rings to anything. Full cheeks are nice, but I don't really like them on hunters even though they are used. If your horse is pretty mellow, doesn't pull on you or pull some goofy stuff in the show ring, then I wouldn't worry about a full cheek as it is a bit sharper than a simple D-ring. Eggbuts are nice, but hunter rings really don't like them and they are not as good as the D-ring. Kimberwicks have their moments when you need them, but personally I don't like them. If your horse is ignoring the simple D-ring, I would try a slow twist or corkscrew before moving on to the harsher bits.
Bitless bridles are actually really nice, I have seen some eventers personally that went really well in them.


In your opinion what makes a full cheek "sharper" then a D ring?

[silverleprichuan]

In your opinion what makes a full cheek "sharper" then a D ring?


also, what makes you turn to a corkscrew or slow twist before another "harsh" bit. I my experience, a corkscrew is one of the sharpest bits used in the H/J world and can cause incredible damage if used in the wrong way.

[DixieGirl]

also, what makes you turn to a corkscrew or slow twist before another "harsh" bit. I my experience, a corkscrew is one of the sharpest bits used in the H/J world and can cause incredible damage if used in the wrong way.

well, she might mean a slow twist full cheek snaffle. a girl i know used that and her horse didn't responed so she went to a pelham.