I was using a d-ring snaffle with little copper rollers on it and this was okay. However, I switched to a 3" loose ring snaffle with sort of a little link in the middle and some copper rings on the link. The bit has strips of inlaid copper as well. Why copper? It encourages salivation, so the mouth stays moist and soft while you're riding. This is what I'm told, I can't say that I've noticed any drooling from Wrigley. She carries her bits well and is responsive, so so far so good. Why did I switch from the d-ring to the loose ring? I only used the d ring on her about 3 times. She responded well but I didn't like the fit -- it seems just a touch narrow for the span of her mouth. Also, the loose ring snaffle should be more "gentle" and with the little link in the middle with the rings on it, that should also be softer on her.
How do you know if a bit will be easy on a horse's mouth?
There are lots of things to consider for bitting, and I'm definitely learning a lot as we go. (My last horse was strictly a hackamore horse.) What I've learned so far is:
- Copper inlaid in the bit makes for more saliva, which makes for a nicer experience for the horse.
- The closer the reins attach to the bit (i.e. shorter or no shanks at all), the less leverage you'll have on the mouth, and the easier the bit will be on the horse.
- To find out what the horse will experience, place the bit in your hand and close your fist around it. Pull on the rings/shanks as if you are pulling on your horse's reins. How's it feel?
I put this latest snaffle in my hand and made a fist around it and gave it a couple of tugs. It felt pretty good, like it could pull but still maintain a bend that felt fine on my hands.
The next test was to put the new bit on Wrigley. It almost seems to be too wide for her mouth. It also slips through just a tiny bit if i am pulling on it. Could be a combination of lots of things -- maybe the bit is too thin, maybe it's too wide, maybe it's hanging too low (headstall has to be adjusted). But the d-ring did seem to fit better, to me.
Well, anyhoo. She went out on the open road and, although she travels in a completely confused zig-zag to get anywhere, she travels nice and calm and gentle. We can get her straightened out soon enough.
When we got back I do believe she was very proud of her accomplishment. She ran around the pasture bucking, kicking, and farting up a storm when we got back. She should be proud, she is really an amazing girl.
Yesterday I was working outside and saw that she was laying down. Ever try to approach a horse that's laying down (if it's not ill)? They usually stand up immediately. It's a huge trust thing (or your horse is sick) for them to remain laying down if you approach them. I thought I'd test her out. She expected nothing of me but lots of love and that's what she got. I pet her all over, scratched her, hugged her neck, scratched her forehead, then went back to do my chores. She really was at ease about it. Made me feel good. She is much quicker to trust me than I am to trust her. She hasn't been hurt by humans, but I've been hurt by horses. Maybe that's the difference.
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