Older Ropping Horse & Curb Chain for Bit

Question
Hi,
Just wanted to follow up and let you know my first ride went pretty good. I used a mild snaffle but changed to a standard curb chain mid way through. Reason - Due to the nature of his career as a roping horse, he does have a tendency to want to run - Even at the age of 20+! Also, OLD MAN (The horse's name)kept bobbing his head up and down, so I changed his bit and added a tie down. He seemed fine after that. I thin it may take him a few rides to figure out he doesn't need to romp out of the gate at 90mph!

What do you think?

Thanks for listening!
Nita

Answer
Hi Nita,

I'm glad things went well for you (sort of!).  I really don't like curb bits.  They should only be used by experienced riders for special horses and only for a limited time.  Same with tie downs.  They only mask the problem and can cause a whole range of other problems along the way.

I suggest you find a good instructor who can help you and the horse to come to some sort of compromise.  A well trained roping horse whilst use to bursting out like a mad zwat should also have good breaks and be fairly highly tuned to commands.  But then, it doesn't sound like your horse came from a good trainer....

Anyways, I suggest an instructor who can have a good look at what is happening and help you with him - even if it's only for a few weeks, just to get you over this hump.

He sounds like a sweety though and I'm glad he's found a good home.

Good luck!