Training/Breaking a 4 1/2 yr. Percheron Mare

Question
I have adopted a Percheron mare from a PMU ranch in Canada 4 years ago.  She is very gentle and friendly.  We can groom her from head to hoof, she is well behaved with our ferrior, and we can sit on her in the pasture, while she eats for as long as we wish, without any problems.  We have had a saddle and pad on her on the cross ties and she didn't seem to bother with it.  I am going to start to work her in a round pen so we can begin to ride.  I have never put a bit in her mouth.  We have had a bridle and a hackamore on her, but didn't try to control her with it. We just put it on so she would get the feel of it. I feel that I should use a bit with her, but I am not sure what type to use.  I have a 10 year old Tennessee Walker mare that we have only used a hackamore with.  So I am very unfamilliar and in-experienced with all of the different types of bits.  I don't want to use the wrong one.  We will be starting to work her in the round pen within 2 weeks. I am asking for advice as to what type of bit and bridle to use with her.  We broke our Tennessee Walker with the hackamore and the roundpen, but I feel that with my Izabo, she will need something more that I may be able to have more control.  Can you offer me any suggestions? I have been around horses all of my life, and the only bit I have every used was a curb bit.  I don't know if this type of bit applies with this situation.  Can you give me some advise?   I appreciate anything that you can tell me.  Thank you.

Answer
You have alot more horse then someone out there riding a Walker or a Quarter and I have ridden Shires & Percherons in the past so this is a wonderful question!  You need to offer this mare what I call the 2 in 1 special.  It is a bridle that offers a snaffle bit and a curb bit all into one outfit, basically COMBINATION bits so to speak.  These 2 bits are what your looking for:  

Pelham Mullen Mouth
Argentine Snaffle

You have the snaffle effect for the suppleness and steering plus the curb for the stopping and or slowing.  Of course your going to be using the 2 reins method and also keep in mind that the round reins will be much more effective when used for the Stopping or Curb (just because of the size difference) they fit better.   

You can also look up information at this site as well for your "bigger horses"

http://www.sportshires.com/facts.htm  

Thats also great to hear that you purchased a PMU horse!  They make wonderful horses and I have dealt with many of the PMU Ranches in Canada.... Those Ranchers are hard workers and put alot into their programs.  One of my best Cutting prospects came from Harris Ranch in Canada, they also have beautiful Quarters and Percherons!  Best of luck to you and Izabo!