I need a bit for my 5yr old ... I'm using this bit currently
http://www.tackstop.com/cervissg22ss.htm It is way to much gag for him and he is being very touchy now. So I need something with NO gag as he is very sensitive. I'm almost thinking a hack would be something to look at but i don't know at the moment. So if you have some idea of a soft bit that has no gag. That is not severe? Preferably with a dogbone.
http://www.tackstop.com/bitr736.htm That's a nice lifter bit with no gag if you're needing the lift from your old bit.
http://www.lwbits.com/Lift-Bits.html 182 and 184 look like good candidates as well.
228 might be an option.
I know you don't want gag, but what does he need around the barrels? Lift, rate, flex, etc?
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http://www.tackstop.com/bitr733.htm That's probably your best option before going in to reining bits with the solid shanks.
To everyone else:
It's a different game running horses for fun and at breed shows than it is for money. You do not have lift in a snaffle. Her bit is a lifter, if you dont know what causes lift in a bit or flex or rate, then I wouldn't qualify you as knowing an appropriate answer and knowing bit mechanics.
I ride in what my horse needs and works best in. Not what everyone else is or what looks the most "barrel racerish". I can switch bits and increase or decrease my time to get better turns. I do not have to bump to rate or even pull on the bit. A little goes a long way, and in barrel racing I'd rather use something I need very little touch with. I don't need to pull my horses around barrels. They want to turn.
Just a sidenote. My horses see the chiro 6 or more times a year, on the best joint supplements and feeding regimen based off talks with my vet and nutritionist. They see a specialized dentist and have yearly floats. My horses are shod all the way around and well balanced feet wise. They are exercised to have the wind and shape to perform how I ask. If I think they're hurting they get the chiro, acupuncture and massage. I have saddles that are fitted to them and the appropriate saddle pad to compliment saddle fit.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
My horses are healthy and happy, enjoy their jobs. Looking at all that, are you really going to complain about the bit I use on my horse? They will work in halters and even a neck rope, but they won't successfully compete that way. I run to win money, not show off.
I'm posting a link to an article for you that explains a little bit about body rating your barrel horse. I know you don't believe you can rate your horse in a snaffle, but this is written by a national champion barrel racer and worth reading. I rode my barrel horses in full cheek snaffles with smooth copper mouths, so I know it can be done if you train your horse to respond to body aids. There is really nothing in barrel racing that requires a leverage bit, but you have to ride the horse's body, and not the horse's mouth.
http://www.horsechannel.com/western-hors ...
Wow that bit looks like it has a lot of bite!! Its a pretty bit though and probably work well on a horse that did not have to run under pressure like yours. I guess he would be pretty sensitive after having that twisted mouth piece run across his bars a few times .. I do not think it is the gag effect that is hurting him as much as the twisted mouth piece and chain chin strap.
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I would think if you can train in a snaffle that just a low port loose cheek broken mouth piece would work on him ..
Let us know what the next step will be and if it works for you.
I don't know what him not being an English horse has to do with using a snaffle. Snaffles are not only used while riding English. Now with that said, I don't think there is anything wrong with using more bit then a snaffle. If used correctly and in the right hands. I am not a fan of gags, and would advice against them no matter what discipline you ride. No horse needs that sort of contraption in their mouth. I'm glad you're choosing to find something different. If it were me, I would look for something with a smooth, jointed mouth piece. Something shanked, if you want the extra leverage . Some kind of Argentinian snaffle would be good.
Good lord! Why would you ever ride a horse in that, especially a sensitive five year old? Did you start with a snaffle? Thats all he needs. A plain snaffle, d -ring or eggbutt. That contraption you call a bit is ridiculous.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com EDIT-
http://www.statelinetack.com/item/sweet- ...
