Trying Something New~

Farah in the hackamore~

Farah just loves to chomp on her bit - especially when she's behind other horses, or when she wants to go faster than I want her to.  She wore through my original Mylar Combination bit Post.  I sent it to Mylar & they repaired it.  She also likes to pull, the first 15-miles of any ride that's about all she does - once we're past that - I have a Grand ride.

When we're out on our own, or in front she's perfect & so soft on a loose rein.  I've been thinking about my early days with Jas.  At our first endurance ride, she ran away with me for the first 15-miles - then another rider offered me a hackamore & said;  "She won't be doing that with this!"  He was right - the rest of the ride was much better & I could at least rate her.   I used it for several years, until after my accident, when Dean changed the way I did things & we went to the Combination bit.

Hackamore that I used with Jas~

Thinking of that experience - we went shopping for a hackamore.  I've been doing some research on the topic.  Even on the Mylar web site, they mention that if you're getting resistance - then back down to a smooth snaffle & begin retraining.  The type I used with Jas is still available, but I wanted something a little different.   I found it at the Bony Pony in Mt. Vernon. This one is a - Brittany Pozzi.  The shanks rotate & the nose-band is hinged.   I had to laugh when I put it on Farah today - she kept trying to find the bit!  I gave her some downward pressure with the reins & she instantly dropped her head.  She certainly gets the idea - we'll see how that translates under saddle just as soon as this  Monsoon weather clears!  I know that it's not a substitution for training - but she's a very forward mare & maybe a different type of communication is worth a try.

More on Bits~

Mikmar Loose Ring Ergöm Lozenge Snaffle

Here's the bit I tried yesterday, what a difference it made.  Using different bits on Farah has really been an interesting experience.  I've also learned the difference between "mouthing" the bit & "chomping" on the bit  - which is something that Farah had done up to now.  With the Mikmar bit in, her mouth was much quieter.   She settled in, paid attention & seemed to understand more of what we were asking of her. 


This bit offers the popular 70mm size cheek made of high quality stainless steel and Mikmars Cupreon Ergöm Lozenge Mouthpiece. The versatile loose ring style cheek combined with the double- jointed mouthpiece allows movement along the rings and invites the horse to mouth the bit. It is excellent for softening in the jaw and aids in connection and consistent contact with the rider resulting in proper carriage and balance and equilibrium. This is an ideal choice for all levels of training and competition and is Dressage legal.  (Approved for USEF/USDF dressage competitions.)

New headstall for showing~

 Besides all of it's other attributes, it should look really nice with the new headstall I found at one of my favorite local stores; Beth West - in Snohomish, complete with amber colored Swarovski rhinestones :-)  We've got to look the part - right?  :-)

Bits & Bitting~

Mylar Combination Bit

First let me say that I know nothing about bits!  All I know, or at least try to understand - is what seems to work for my mare.  After the early years of making many mistakes, thinking that a harsh bit would give me a manageable horse etc., trying no bit & having a run-a-way in competition, etc.  By the time I bought Khari, I had gained enough smarts to ask for expert help.  Khari was started in the bit above & it worked really well for all the years I had her.

With Farah now though, I'm working with a very intelligent mare, who responds differently to different bits.  Working with more collection & trying to teach her to work off her rear has me trying new bits.  The latest that worked really well in our first level Cowboy Dressage test, but in using it, I'd probably jumped ahead of where we're at in our training.

Curb with shanks

 I've also been trying different trainers & learning lots of new things.  For the second time yesterday, a change in bit was suggested.  There was one available to try, a simple snaffle with rings;

 I hadn't used this type of bit for forever, because you really don't have a stop & I value stop.  This is a learning level bit - one that will make it easier for Farah to understand what I'm asking of her & she was very willing & responsive in it - in the arena :-)  I'm going to go ahead & buy one to use when we practice.  We'll see how well she does in it out on the trail!

After a shorter drive than usual, I had a really good lesson at Ensbrook with Sandra.  She is well versed in both Western & Cowboy Dressage & seems willing to take on a pair of newbies. :-)
I'd love to hear what you use & how you came to use it - why you like it~