bits for a youngster

[jake]

I have my 4 yr old TB (ex racer) in a french link cheeked snaffle, She seems happy in it and so far the only issue we have is that the steering is still a little wobbly.

My RI seems to think that this bit should have keepers, and that this would help the steering issue or that i should change the bit to a baucher.

I am a little worried.... as if we used keepers then it would totally change the positioning of the bit in her mouth and, in my mind, make what I deem to be essentially a kind bit a little more severe. My concerns over the baucher ( although this is a compromise so not to have the keepers) is that it does tend to have an element of poll action, something that I didn't feel that my mare was ready for as she already has a tendancy to resort to a high head carriage if she is tense or worried.

I seem to be between a rock and a hard place. While I agree with the RI that we need to push the girlys schooling I do not want to achieve this at the cost of something else.

[ScotNorth Ex Racers]

Hi Jake

The cheeked snaffle without the keepers is not really much use and you may just as well use a non cheeked snaffle.

The keepers will help her more with her balance and steering as the bit will be positioned where it should be - and the difference it makes to the severity of the bit is so minimal that she will hardly notice at all - in fact you may find she takes the bit better because it is not moving about so much if you see what i mean.

I would try with the keepers and see how you get on - I have used the bits with and without them and find the horse does not object when the keepers are put in :-)

Lisa xxxxx

[jake]

Ok.... will give it a bash. It was just I was always taught that the cheeked snaffle didn't have keepers but the fulmer did, and all the books say the same. I guess I am still a little way behind the times with current thinking.

[misstickle]

I've always used a full cheek french link snaffle with youngsters and I've always used keepers and never had any bother. It stops the bit moving too much
This website is really good at explaining bit actions etc www.sustainabledressage.net/tack/bridle.php#mikmar

[bingbong]

is a fulmer and cheeked not the same only one has loose rings??? yes id recomend the keepers they are only a cpl pounds so worth a try, thats what coisty is still ridden in

[pst]

I ride Eddie in a french link fulmer with keepers & he seems to like it, I also have a french link baucher but I thought I might step up to that if I found I needed a little more control for xc.