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[RC] switching to bit - Marlene Moss


Hi,
I am looking at a horse that has been ridden in a hackamore (something
called a beetle which I hadn't seen before) and isn't particularly
responsive to it.  She's been ridden bitless because her teeth had never
been done (until today) and there were severe hooks - she's only 6!  The
person who owned her for most of her life didn't have much of a clue as
far as I've heard and her current owner uses voice more than hands and
has only ridden her in the area and has zero fear of her somewhat
nervous speed.  She was going to use her for barrel racing.  I'm
basically considering her a green horse that's just been started.

She had her float today and the vet said I could start her bit training
tomorrow.  I plan on starting easy, just longing with a bit and some
ground work testing her reaction.

I'd like some suggestions on good starting bits for a sensitive horse
that is new to a bit.  I have several to play with.  While long term I
would like to ride her bitless, I do use my hands fairly actively (I do
have soft hands, but active) and one thing I read on the Jessica Jahiel
site was that the beetle wasn't a good piece of gear for someone
actively with the reins.  Does this make sense and if so, is any bitless
device specifically better with active hands for long term plans?

Anyhow, back to the bit.  I generally dislike single jointed bits if I'm
having to more strongly communicate with a horse (might be the case in
the beginning as I calm her down and get her out on the trail) but I've
used and have several basic snaffles like eggbutts.  I also have a
couple barrel Meyler bits, including the combo bit (which all of my
horses have ignored in the past) that I could try.  And a solid Mullen
mouth.  And a Richard Shrake with a little disk in the middle which
makes a double joint - but I've heard it discussed as a more advanced
bit (which the Meylers probably are as well).  One of my horses goes
beautifully in a ported roller bit with 5" shanks - and won't even let
me put anything else in her mouth.  Not what I would consider a starting
point though!

I really don't know how to find a bit in any other manner than trial and
error - and maybe there isn't any better method?  I would like to start
things off nicely for her (especially since she's probably had pain in
her mouth for a while).  Does it make better sense to start with a
typical eggbutt snaffle or something that I think is nicer but might be
"too advanced" for a horse that needs basic training and retraining?  If
I need to go buy something else, I'd really rather a good direction to
go in than trial an error right now (small town that thinks that a Tom
Thumb is the only bit you need, plus lack of throwaway funds!).

I know this is vague and that there are no definite answers, but I guess
I'd just be happy to see some discussion on what types of bits are
friendly to sensitive horses and what experiences you have had.

Thanks all!
Marlene

Marlene Moss
Saddle Fitting - www.KineticEquineAnalysis.com
Boarding/Training - www.LosPinos-CO.com 



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