The discussion of what bit to use is common for
most disciplines. There is much to consider when choosing the correct bit. With
distance riding, some of our concerns are control, comfort, ability to eat and
drink, and even weight. There is NO one bit (or bitless) bridle that will work
for every single horse and rider, no matter what someone who sells them will
tell you. Find the combo that works best for you. Yes, some bits are
referred to as mild, some sever, but they are also as mild or sever as the hands
that use them. Most of us have reasons to use what we choose. And it may
or may not be the same for all of ones own horses. I have a Myler kimberwick
with a comfort mouth that I like, and also use an S hackamore some. With
the Myler, I can have the reins on a lower position for more leverage if needed,
or up higher for less if the horse is sensitive. Go look at photos of
Becky Hart riding Rio, and she had a shanked western bit, with double reins. One
rein on snaffle setting, the other on leverage. I have ridden some distance
horses with that very set up too. They needed the snaffle setting most the time,
but if I needed to get a bit more hold of them, it was usually light pressure to
the curb (leverage) rein that got the results I needed. No need to yank or tug,
just light hands. As someone mentioned,a horse tugging and pulling against the
reins with a snaffle bit is probably worst than a rider who has light contact
with a leverage bit. Yes, retraining for the horse to not want to "race" all the
time may help, but usually is difficult, but I'd say worth a try. I will
also add, if you do not fully understand the function of the bit, hackamore, or
what ever bridle you use, and the pros and cons of the equipment, educate
yourself with it, so you understand its use and application. I have seen many
people do hard selling on certain equipment on this list, that it is the "best
ever made", but it may not be the best for YOU and YOUR horse. Don't get sucked
in by salesmanship on anything. Ask questions of other users. Then use what will
make the ride more enjoyable for both you AND your horse.
