Bits and bridles

[Whitewolf821]

I'm looking for some help with selecting a good bit for a horse. I ride western, mainly trail riding. He's a 18 year old ex-race horse who, unfortunately was abused for several years up until about a year ago. He has very obviously had some good training as he responds to leg cues, neck reins, understands verbal cues, etc. He is, however, extremely head shy. Anyone have some decent suggestions? I'm not looking for everyone to get into an argument (I know everyone has their own preferences); I'd just like some suggestions so I can research and choose something that would work well for him and I without further exacerbating his issues.

[winterlakesfarm]

Crystal you might look into a loping hackamore? it is a soft flexible bosal suitable to a horse with his level of training and you can just slide it on so not as much "fuss time" with a head shy horse.......they are not cheap but you can get them at Green River saddlery for around $75 usually....... other places they are $150 on up......I have one I ride my finished horses in and I love it and so do they!

[Whitewolf821]

Jaime, what do you prefer to start the rescues with when you assess their riding ability?

And PK, since you ride similar to my style and you've had a lot of experience with thoroughbreds lately, what have you found that works great for them? Also, on this same token, how do you find a western saddle that fits a rather high withered thoroughbred?

Man, this thoroughbred thing is throwing me for a loop! I am so used to quarter horses and appaloosas!

[shekaberry]

Every ridable SAFE horse that I have worked with went in a french link snaffle or plain snaffle. I think most track trained horses go in full cheek snaffles, but if he neck reins and you are just bombing around having fun try a bosal.

No advice on the saddles as I feel more comfortable in an english saddle, but I hear the aussie saddles are quite nice!

[Whitewolf821]

I was thinking a bosal also simply because he isn't "fresh" off the track. He's about 15 years off the track and he listens fairly well. I have almost always rode in a simple snaffle or bosal, but I've never ridden a horse who was abused and caused him to be rather headshy. Just looking for more ideas on things to try because I want him to associate me with good things, not the abuse he endured (and really, who knows exactly what the poor guy went through?!). We've taken a pretty good step forward in the boarding area too. I have appointments to go look at 3 more places now. I'm definitely wearing the hubby down!!

[kdunham]

It is really hard to give good advise regarding bitting not knowing the horse and also not knowing how you ride. I would encourage you to work on getting him really soft in a snaffle when you are in a safe place. When you go out on the trails if you need more stop by all means use something that will not get you taken off with. But try to keep the goal in mind of having the horse relaxed and giving to the bit. If you can't pick up a rein and easily bring his nose to your knee then you could start there.
I have a trail horse I ride in an endurance style hackamore sometimes so he can eat and drink easily. It works for him. Of course I don't have him soft enough to go in a bosel which would be ideal.

PK, The quote from www.elvaquero.com/The%20Hackamore.htm is actually referring to bosals when it says hackamore. "Hackamore horsemanship" = Bosal's in cowboy speak.

[inmemoryofjack]

Lots of good points here. You've gotta do what works well for you and your horse. It is important to have him supple and soft regardless of what type of bridle you decide to ride in. Keep us updated on what you decide to do!