Re: What bit can I use for schooling?

 Hi jogi,

It really does depend on how strong your horse is, what you are needing from him eg to lower his head, stop him from leaning on your hands etc. Theres a million and one things, so nobody could give you the answer without seeing you both ride first.  Could you book a lesson and ask the instructor what she thinks. Also what type of bit do you ride in now and why do you want to change it?

RE: What bit can I use for schooling?

It depends on how strong your horse is. if shes not that strong, and calm, i suggest a standard snaffle, as its good to teach them to work on the bit for any events like dressage, where you have to have a snaffle bridle on to show what your horse can work like in it. When jumping i tend to use a gag, they are brilliant for controll

RE: What bit can I use for schooling?

Thanks to both of you for your comments.

The hanging cheek mullen mouth with the barrel arrived on Tuesday and we tried it in the school yesterday. Millie seemed to go really well in it, however, we had the odd moment where she tried to evade it, which is exactly what she used to do in the happy mouth one. Although due to the action of the barrel mouth she couldn't lean on this new one hence why she tried to evade it occasionally. 

Over all I think she went well in this new bit, we will only be using it for schooling and hopefully enter some dressage tests later this year.

I use a mullen happy mouth gag on the second ring for hacking out, as she can be fairly strong, but not unstopable, and we jump in the gag, but attached to the main ring to keep her going forward.

Have been thinking about trying a pelham with a port, that will be the next thing if this new hanging cheek bit stops working for her!

Thanks again, Jo