Vosals on a youngster

[Linda Flemmer <bluwolf@earthlink.net>]

I have a 4 1/2 year old Crabbet-bred Arab gelding that I've just started

under saddle.  So far we're using a 1/2" wide biothane bridle as our
only head gear with excellent results.  He really is pretty calm guy
with a very sensitive nose.  We also worked on "Whoa" before ever
mounting.  If I say "Whoa", he stops <immediately> and waits for
instructions.

Since he is doing so well bitless, I was considering staying that
route.  Many years ago I did some bosal training, but I never tried a
Vosal.  I see two differnt types - one is all rawhide on the nose & heel

pieces, & one is rawhide on the nose & metal on the heel.

Does anyone have any experience with these different types?  Comments?
Are you covering or wrapping the rawhide on the nose to prevent
chaffing?  What are you using to cover it with?

I have the expertise to ride with either neck reining or direct reining,

but I like the subtleness that I can achieve with a light direct rein &
leg.  (Many years of dressage experience as well as western reining.)
Can you expect to direct (English) rein with a vosal?

Does the vosal hang well when attached to the bridle, or does the heel
need to be supported like on a heavier bosal?

I gentle hands, just how severe can a vosal be over a bosal?  I'm not
sure how the broken cheek pieces would affect a vosal.

Lastly, does anyone have a used vosal in their tack room that they'd be
interested in parting with at a reasonable price?

Thanks,

Linda Flemmer
Blue Wolf Ranch
Looking into new options for a new horse!


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