how severe is this bit on a scale of 1 to 10. my trainer just switched bits on me and my mare isnt taking this well. cuz we switched from a regular snaffle to this and she refuses the bit. is this too severe?
heres the link
http://www.edandmartha.com/images/2p_twisted.jpg
2006-11-25 13:48:03 · 11 answers · asked by carbar 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
o and also, this isnt my bit but the only difference is the peice in the middle to protect the toungue from being pinched
2006-11-25 13:49:08 · update #1
what discipline are you doing? That bit is not that severe. the twisted wire mouth piece is about a 3 or 4 on the scale however, the gag is real mild the reason why is because the gag takes the pull from the hands that my be too heavy. just make sure the chin strap is loose and hanging and only touches the horse if you really need to pull back.. but you should be using your legs and seat to communicate with your horse. the rule of thumb is the more breaks in a bit and the thicker the mouth piece the less severe the bit. One more thing some times your horse will bully you if you let her. there should be no reason for her to refuse the bit at any time. check behavioral problems too. hope this helps. I am 35 yrs old and been riding and training most of my life. just remember horses bounce back and they are very forgiving and every thing you do even if later you find out it was a mistake it will help you be a better horse person. you can learn from everyone you meet in the horse world even if it is learning what not to do. :)
2006-11-25 18:02:23 · answer #1 · answered by Love2dash 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That bit is a twisted wire gag snaffle with a short shank. In the hands of an inexperienced rider it can hurt the horse, cause damage to the mouth and tongue, and make them to refuse the bit.
I will rank it a 6 or 7 on severity level because it has a shorter shank. The bit will be even more severe with a curb chain.
Go back to your regular snaffle if it was working for you. If your trainer argues with you over this, find a new trainer who is willing to work with you and the bit your mare prefers. In the end the choice of which bit to use on you're mare is yours. Your trainer should be there to guide you and make suggestions, not ultimate decisions.
I personally hate trainers who use more and more severe methods of control instead of keeping things simple. A plain "D" ring snaffle or "Full Cheek" snaffle is all ANY horse should need for most forms of riding.
2006-11-26 13:26:37 · answer #2 · answered by CHill 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not at al;l- this is less severe than a port bit. This is called a fast twist- a slow twist is a bit that doesnt have as many twists in it and the twists are larger. The reason she probably isnt taking to this is because she isnt used to it and it is new. If she hasnt fully settled into it after a month of being ridden in it, then try a slow twist. this may be a bit much for her. Have her stand in her stall with the bridle on minus the reins for about a half an hour a day. this will give her time to play with it at her leisure and chomp at it and do what she wishes. Do keep an eye on her mouth that she isnt becoming hard in the mouth. Also, another bit u may want to keep in mind is a french link snaffle. Hope this helps
2006-11-26 07:47:08 · answer #3 · answered by Tiffany C 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ummm......8
Personally, I think any twisted wire bit is severe, and should be used only for EXTREMELY hard mouthed horses. Why did your trainer switch bits? Was your mare becoming unresponsive? Did you discuss this with your trainer? I would refuse it too, if I were a horse!
Since your mare is refusing this new bit, I would definitely talk to your trainer and work together to find a bit less severe, and don't forget to question WHY the switch in the first place. Good luck.
2006-11-25 22:09:33 · answer #4 · answered by Kim M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why did you switch from a simple snaffle to a twisted? This bit is quite severe; under most riders, such a severe bit WOULD cause the discomfort you describe. I'd rate it a 7. If you are having control issues (for examploe, for cross-country), I would try a Pelham or possibly a Kimberwicke (only if the Pelham is insufficent), but remember that it is the rider, not the bit, that controls the horses.
2006-11-25 21:52:59 · answer #5 · answered by bayleaf 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Severity is in the hands of the rider. But overall I would give this bit an 8. This bit has more leverage due to the shanks and is a gag bit as well.
2006-11-26 14:12:54 · answer #6 · answered by haulinassnhaulinbull 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd refuse that too, if I were a horse. Doesn't look the least bit comfortable.
But I'm assuming your trainer has a reason for switching. I'd suggest talking to your trainer about the switch, and finding out if it's necessary.
2006-11-25 21:51:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The chain is probably pinching her tongue and check the corners of her mouth for cuts. Where mine are boarded they tried that bit on a barrel horse. Found out real quick it was too much for him. She may just need to get used to it, but I know that the chains can twist and be painful. They listen well to them if they don't have a really sensitive mouth.
2006-11-25 21:50:35 · answer #8 · answered by Jennifer R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it might take her awhile to get use to the feel of the bit. when switching bits there are different pressure points in the mouth and she most likely just has not gotten use to it and both u and the horse just need a little time to ajust
2006-11-28 21:53:36 · answer #9 · answered by kooneyedkellie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does have a twist but it overeall isnt that bad of a bit. the worst bits would be elevators or gags. Overall it isn't that bad.
2006-11-25 21:51:42 · answer #10 · answered by fantashagirl13 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋