Older horses (Senior age)

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I just bought an older (roping) horse. He is in good shape for 20. I'm a novice rider and bought him because of his gentle forgiving nature. I felt he will help me build my confidence in horsemanship until I am ready to move on to younger horses.
My Q -
The people I bought him from were using a 'curb' chain as a bit on his bridle. I've never heard of this and not sure what I should do. What kind of 'bit' would you recommend? Should I use a 'curb' chain? I certainly do not want to switch to something too harsh.
Thanks,
Nita

ANSWER: Hi Nita,

Thanks for your question.

You should definitely change your bit.  To use a curb chain as a bit is an extremely cruel practice.  The people you bought the horse off should be reported to animal cruelty, investigated and prosecuted.

The question is though, why did they use the chain as a bit?  Does he have any mouth problems?  Is he hard to stop or turn?

For safety's sake I would have a knowledgeble friend or instructor ride him with a normal bit - you could try an eggbut or FM snaffle.  I suggest a more experienced rider try him as it's impossible to tell if they used that 'bit'(and I use that term loosely) because they were simply cruel people or if the horse had a problem and they were too ignorant to work out a way to humanely fix it.

As to your last part of your question, there are very few bits that are commercially available that would be more cruel than what you are using now.   Stick to a nice snaffle - eggbut, loose ring, tom thumb or FM (Fulmer or Australian snaffle)and you can't go too far wrong.

But I would definitely have a more experienced rider test ride him in any new bits.  That way if there is a problem, they are in a better position to handle it than someone who's still a novice.  You don't want any bad experiences at this stage.

Good luck and feel free to come back if you have further questions.

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

QUESTION: What do you mean mouth problems? What mouth problems would I look for?Missing teeth...sores...?
Sorry, I'm learning a lot these days.

Answer
Hi,

I don't mean physical problems, but issues relating to riding ie: hard to stop, turn, putting tongue over the bit, opening mouth, moving the head above or below the bit etc.  These problems often send people looking for a 'quick fix' and these are usually quite cruel.  All the problems above can be fixed by training and a slight modification of equipment.

I'd have someone knowledgeable, who you trust, have a ride of him and give him a good assessment.