I've only ridden English & I'm thinking about trying Western since my horse loves to go long, low, & slow. I'd probably be able to borrow a saddle at first, but I'd like to have a bit & a headstall. I was wondering what kind of bit would be best. My horse has a soft mouth, and we currently ride English with just a link snaffle. He takes a size 5 1/2 bit, but that size doesn't seem common in western bits. Does that matter? Where could I find a good western bit- or could I just use my English one?
Thanks!
2007-01-01 05:52:43 · 10 answers · asked by jerseagrl 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I would just say keep using the snaffle, its a perfectly good western bit, as well as an english bit. Plus your horse is going well in it, and it'll save money. My rule of thumb is don't mess up a good thing. Find a nice bit and stick with it. Make sure that you use a saddle that fits well on your horse though. Have someone with lots of western experience help you. The biggest problem I have seen with changing horses to the western saddle is that people pay no attention to the fit, and then the horse's back hurts and it misbehaves. Have fun going western!
2007-01-02 16:48:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I ride both styles also and the only bit I use is a french link snaffle. Technically an English bit.
I have it in a very simple western head stall and ride with a rommel rein no matter what saddle I ride in.
If I am going to do some jumping or dressage I just pop the rommel end off and I have a noce loop rein that I can pop the rommel back onto very easy. I never need to change head stalls.
Works for me but if you are going to show you will have to get the proper bridle to so that but if you are just schooling at home or something what ever you have should be fine.
As far as size most western bits I think are about 5 inches. It is the measure across the piece that goes in the mouth.
Unless your horse has learned to work on a leverage bit I would stick with the one you use now. Many western riders use sanffle bits.
2007-01-01 14:01:57 · answer #2 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Stay with the snaffle. They are my favorite, you don't need much else to control the horse and I think you will have the softest and best communication with it. You may want to try some different variations, but don't worry besides that. I personally like using D ring snaffles. Talk to your trainer about it, and take your bridle to a tack store and have someone help you pick out the best. To start out it won't hurt to use a western saddle and an english bridle. That might help ease the transition and make it less confusing. This site explains the difference between a western and an english snaffle: http://horses.about.com/od/bitsexplained/qt/snaffediff.htm This shows a bunch of links about bit differences http://horses.about.com/od/bitsexplained/The_Use_Action_and_Appearance_of_Bits_and_Bridles_Explained.htm. Hope everything goes smoothly! Enjoy your riding.
2007-01-01 14:16:42 · answer #3 · answered by sir'slady 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋
well since ur horse was mostly used in a snaffle i would start him western in a snaffle, my horse is still in training and i am using him western and i use a snaffle
2007-01-03 03:00:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's great to stick with your snaffle unless you're showing. Then horses over 3 or 5 (depending on the show) must use a curb. A Tom Thumb with a short shank and looser curb strap will probably be an easy switch for your horse.
2007-01-01 22:54:14 · answer #5 · answered by emily 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
You are so lucky to have a horse. I'm jealous. But to answer your question, in western riding, you control your horse with only one hand, so you use your legs a lot. I'd say keep your bit, but if you have a pedigree horse, check the tack store. They may have western bits especially designed for him/her. Go with your link snaffle at first. If it's hard to control your horse, go with a slightly tougher bit that won't hurt your horse, but will make it easier to control your horse.
2007-01-01 14:01:56 · answer #6 · answered by Jen 1 · 1⤊ 4⤋
You could just use your old one or get a regular O-ring snaffle bit,we use that on my dad's mare and she has a sogt mouth,or you could also use a tombthumb. You can buy them at Tractor Supply or southern States, if you don't have those stores near you, you can buy one at a horse sale.
2007-01-01 16:06:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Use whatever your horse likes and is used to wearing.
Saddles are English or western, bits are curbs, snaffles etc.
2007-01-01 13:59:29 · answer #8 · answered by lilabner 6 · 1⤊ 4⤋
IVE COMPETED IN WESTERN EVENTS AND IT IS WHAT YOUR HORSE PERFORMS BEST IN. IVE ALWAYS USED A SNAFFLE AND WON. NO IT DOESNT MATTER. JUST ENJOY YOURSELF
2007-01-01 23:49:53 · answer #9 · answered by Maley 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Keep on with the bit your horses likes, and is currently using. Horses aren't all that fashion conscious,and it's our responsibility to see to their comfort before ours.
2007-01-02 03:49:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋