Which Bit?

Question
QUESTION: Hi Emma
I e mailed you last week about my Arab gelding, he is doing really well but at times he seems to really object to the bit at the moment, mainly if I ask for trot while riding him doesn't seem to do it on the lunge. I don't have heavy hands and just sit still and encourage him to go forwards once he gets going the snatching is not so bad.I have booked him to have his teeth done wont be until next week, he is ridden in a french link snaffle do you think I should try another I read somewhere that Arabs tend to have small mouths, people that I know that also have Arabs say they have had similar problems with bits there horses are comfortable in Please help me sorry its so long but you where so helpful last time. liz xx

ANSWER: Hi Liz,

My arab mare has 3 bits.  One is a jointed Eggbut snaffle for dressage work, one is a 3 ring jointed Dutch gag and she is riddden on the ring below the snaffle ring, and one is actually two bits, my double for showing.

If he's really seriously objecting to the bit, not just playing you up, then try a Waterford snaffle, I have found a hanging cheek works best, and as the bit is effectively a smooth chain, it's a continuous rein through the horse's mouth, and I have found that horses who are fussy about their mouths accept this bit far easier.  

Also when his teeth get done, use either a hackamore or a rubber snaffle, his mouth will be sore.

Good luck, and if there is anything else, please do feel free to email me and I'll try my best to help!

Emma xx


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Emma
I will try the bit you suggest and let you know how I get on, sorry just another question sometimes when I ride in the school he can be a bit lazy I don't think his tired, I think he just sort of thinks his done enough. He does nap a bit at the gate so I flicked the whip a bit more than usual and he shot round the school and we nearly ended up in the fence, he is a bit wary of the whip and it did scare him but I don't want to nag with my legs, yet I don't want to scare him with the whip. I just think he needs to go forward now so he doesn't learn he can get away with it I thought I might use a smaller one is there anything else you think I could do, I don't fancy flying round the school at that speed again, I understand things like this will happen as his so young but he was quite wound up over it, yet once he calmed down I asked for trot he went straight of my leg so it did have the desired affect. Sorry to go on I really appreciate your help. Thanks Liz x

Answer
Hi Liz,

I don't mind in the slightest, better you ask and have a bit of help to get it right, than struggle along and possibly end up with a horse who is resentful and not happy with you!

I know this is going to sound silly, but a small pair of short blunt spurs will definitely help to get him forwards from your leg.  Only use them if you are schooling, and only about twice a week..otherwise you may come to depend on them!  

I quite understand...I usually end up flying around my arena at high speed on my mare...it's an arab thing!  Also, try a desensitisation to the crop, hang old ones around his stable, use a schooling whip and rub it over his body, just using the end, just so he gets used to it, then you are less likely to be taking off at high speed!

You are quite right not to want to nag at him with your leg, that's the quickest way I know to get an insensitive horse!  

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

Emma xx