Oh, wow~! I think this might be what's wrong with my appy mare, she is shallow mouthed and hates the snaffle, but I've just finally started thinking about trying the curb. What a well-timed email! I'll give it a try and see what happens. Thanks, laura
Hi Deby,
My sweet gray gelding, Zabbie, also has a shallow mouth. My goodness what horses teach us!
I was for years in the camp of "if you can't ride in a snaffle, then something's wrong with the rider."
Zabbie taught me about horse mouths and shapes and bit comfort. He turned what I thought to be true upside down.
This mild mannered horse was a maniac with a snaffle bit. I tried a dozen different snaffle styles on him and he hated them all. Became quite agitated. had his teeth checked by an equine dentist. Did chiro work, etc.
One day I was shopping at an equestrian expo and was looking for a curb bit with shanks for showing in western classes. The vendor steered me to this bit:
http://www.metalab.info/pinchless_jointed.htm
the rafter mouth one.
I was skeptical, but took it home and tried it on Zab.
I was amazed. His head dropped. The agitation stopped. We had our first truly pleasant ride. Zabbie was an awesome horse! Now, I've switched him over to a low ported kimberwicke.
I don't use either of these bits because I need more whoa. I have ridden this horse for 5 miles with just a halter and lead rope for steering. I use them because the shape of them fits his mouth. Traditional snaffles seem to be far too busy in his mouth. He hates them. If I want to turn him into a lunatic, I can simply put an ordinary snaffle on him.
It blew my mind and made me rethink what I thought I knew about bits and bitting!
Long story to tell you to try something other than a traditional snaffle. Try a mullen mouth, or low ported bit. Patrade makes some good bits that work similarly to Mylers at about half the cost.
Good luck!
Laura "Not all who wander are lost." (jrr tolkien)
