horse in training

Question
ok so I have a 16 year old paint mare who has been a barrel racer all her life up until the point I got her and started training her (about 1 1/2 years ago). We are now showing in Halter, Showmanship, Horsemanship, Trail, and Western Pleasure. The current bit I am using is a correction bit. I've been using it for about 2 months now and its worked wonders. I do know that this  bit is not suppose to be a permanent bit. So my questions are. What is the maximum time that I should use this bit with my horse and then when it's time for a new bit, what should I switch too?
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Haley!

I am assuming when you say a "correction bit" you mean something with a very high port.

Working under that assumption,I would say it will be very difficult to get her backed down to something less severe.  Not impossible, just difficult.  The punishment or threat of this bit works for her.  If she was to get a much milder bit, she would most likely lose all interest in listening to you, as there would be no immediate correction in her mouth.

You also said this current bit is working well, so why change it?  I am not very familiar with these classes but, if there is no bit restriction, keep her in this one.  Showing season is upon us and this is not the time to change something so important as her bit.

Because she is going well in this bit, you must have competent hands and are not mistakenly or incorrectly punishing her mouth. The most severe bit can be very easy on a horse IF the rider uses it correctly and apparently you are.

If it ain't broke, why fix it?

If you want to back her down to something less sever, wait till winter when you can formulate and implement a training program to do just that.  Winter is the time to train because there is no pressure and allot of indoor work is done.

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange