ridecamp@endurance.net: Bitting problem

Bitting problem

CBarr6608@aol.com
Sun, 16 Mar 1997 19:35:26 -0500 (EST)

Help! My 5 year-old Arab is a great horse, until we start off on an endurance
ride. He is a total *monster* until the first vet check. I hope he grows out
of this. He's done four rides so far, so I know he still has a lot to learn.

One of our big problems is that he chews on the shank of the bit when he gets
nervous or excited which makes his gait really choppy 'cause he ducks his
head when he does it. I ride with a tom thumb. He does wonderful when we're
out on a trail ride. I feel I need this type of bit for control at endurance
rides, but I'm hoping that there is another type of bit that will help me
keep him in check when he's excited yet make it hard for him to chew on the
shank.

I've tried spraying the shanks with Binaca hoping this would deter him.
However, after the first water stop, it washes off and we're back where we
started. I don't want to keep spraying throughout the ride. Also, when he
starts chewing, I've pulled on the opposite rein to bring his head up. This
gets tiresome when you do it constantly for 20 miles!

I will admit I don't know much about bits. The Tom Thumb was recommended to
me by another rider. Please, if you've got any suggestions, I'm all ears!

Carol Barrett
Hoss & Rocky (the monster)

Home Events Groups Rider Directory Market RideCamp Stuff