any advice on which snaffle bit to use

[baby]

I have tried every bit to get my pony to work happily in. They only bit that she seems happy and light in, is a swales pelham. I currently only use the bit to compete in.

I've tried many snaffles for schooling at home and hacking but can not find one she is happy in like the swales.

As anyone any ideas of a bit i could use at home that may work in the same way as a swales?

[lfd]

Every pony should work well in a simple loose ring snaffle in my opinion, shcooling is the key and getting them to work properly, im not a fan of the swales bits.

Why is she not happy in a snaffle? what is she doing?

x

[sarahp]

Many don't like a single joint - did you try a double jointed? And a few go best in a straight one, maybe with a port, it all depends on the mouth conformation. What mouthpiece is on your swales? I've never used one.

I was brought up with the teaching that all should be broken and schooled in a snaffle, and only when going well and correctly in that are they ready for a curb bit, for refinement, not extra strength!

[LucyHebditch]

Neue schule verbindends with a French link are fantastic! Used them on a couple of strong ponies myself and they have gone very well in one.

[jakkibag]

I had a similar problem, I always believed everything should go nicely in a loose ring french link, My novice fell was having none of it, He had been driven prior to me backing him, and was driven in a liverpool bit, I have now found he is very happy in an eggbutt mullen mouth snaffle and he really likes it, for me it was just trial and error, he never did anything naughty but he was very unsettled in his mouth in some, no brakes in others and zero steering in anything loose ring resulting in some serious damage to jump wings, a squashed polyblock and my OH who he ran into whilst i was trying to go round a corner

I'd go back to basics, think what he like about the swales, is it the steadiness of the bit, shape of it etc etc, then find something that most resembles it and give it a go!

[GinaGeo]

You've already had some good advice. I've never used a Swales but from what I've seen of them they seem to have a fairly narrow mouthpiece? This'd be my starting place, a bit with narrow anatomic mouthpiece, preferably double jointed, probably a neue schule starter or verbidend depending on whether she needs to seek into the contact or whether she's needs lifting.

I however have one that won't work in anything but a thin single jointed loose ring (which is actually a bradoon) or the same bit set up as a double bridle with a weymouth added. He goes nicely in both. I use the double bridle for hacking, jumping and hunting as it gives me the more refined aid and I can give a gentle check on the curb and he's straight back to me again. For schooling I use either, and I could use the snaffle for the above also - he just responds quicker to the double. It's a short shanked weymouth I use only about 3" with a padded curb - this enough.

Perhaps a Hilary Vernon mullen mouth snaffle would be a starting point - that'd give him the straight bar he's used to without the curb action? This is dressage legal. The sprenger correction bit could also be an option (one of it's uses is to introduce horse's to but that felt more like a curb) so it could it be used the opposite way round? It isn't dressage legal though

[baby]

Thank you for the advice.

I've tried most snaffles, she tends to cross her jaw and snatch the bit.

I totally agree with the comments above. This is the first pony i've tried in a swales as i have never been a fan but used it after a long trial of many bits was the last option and she is so happy in it.

She can be very strong pony, just looking for something she will be happy in

Thanks

The swales is actually nickle for the mouth piece.

[jakkibag]

Have you tried a magic bit? Similar mouthpiece to swales? id also have a look here;
www.risleysaddlery.co.uk
They Have lots of different snaffle combinations which i hadnt been able to find elsewhere?

[baby]

Nov 28, 2012 15:03:55 GMT jakkibag said:

Have you tried a magic bit? Similar mouthpiece to swales? id also have a look here;
www.risleysaddlery.co.uk
They Have lots of different snaffle combinations which i hadnt been able to find elsewhere?

Thank You i will do

[LucyHebditch]

Here's the description for the verbindend. Sounds exactly like what you're looking for.


Heavy on the forehand? The NS Verbindend greatly emphasises the signals through the rein. By encouraging clarity of the aids, and promoting a true outline the freedom through the shoulder can be developed, thus promoting self carriage and thoroughness. The NS Verbindend eradicates tongue evasions by creating a channel for the tongue to lie in allowing the horse to soften and relax through the jaw. This mouthpiece can also enhance the development of the bend for lateral work and smaller circles. The 12mm bridoon with neat 55mm rings is used with the Weymouth or on a small head. The 12mm with the 70mm rings normally offers extra lift from the shoulder and takes up less room in the mouth than thicker mouthpieces. If you are a pleasure rider and simply desire to establish a lighter, softer way of going this is the bit for you.

[baby]

Thank you for that it does sound perfect, il try them and see which is the best.

Thank you for the advice

[tbmare]

The verbindend is really a good bit I have and still use it on 3 different types of horses and ponies including a first ridden whom was always opening his mouth.. now totally relaxed and gives a really good ride for my daughter of 9 yrs.

Used on the ex racer too and my old show mare.. whom had the strongest mouth ever.. with combined schooling from an excellent instructor she went super in this and I rode her competitive in this bit for quite some time.
The swales is a very strong bit and I must admit that was on the agenda if the verbindend didn't work.. but I must say my instructor worked miracles we us both..