Conference noted::equitation

   There are already 9 topics on bitting, 1300, 1224, 1207, 973, 971,
   474, 348, 261 and 10 discusses bitting for dressage. These topics
   discuss bitting for English riding. There is a need for a topic on 
   bitting for Western riders. 

    
    re.last
      i would have to agree , however you made a statement about needing
    a topic on western riders, I would have to say , yes there is a need!
    
    	wendy o'
    

    
    I personally prefer a plain snaffle (d-ring or full-check) until the 
    horse is 100% schooled.  Then a frog-mouth for showing (depending on
    the horse).  

I guess this topic shows that even moderators get lazy sometimes.  My apologies.
I should have checked the directories more closely.

Ed..

    I have a reining bit, but it's not a snaffle type.
    It's a copper mouth straight bar (curb, I think) with
    the two bottom side pieces able to swivel.
    My horse is from a Reining/W.P. ranch in TX, and though he's
    not reining trained, this is the bit my trainer uses for
    reining and it is a mild bit that creates a nice response.
    Just out of curiosity, I think I'll call and ask about 
    reining bits, because I know he starts out all youngsters
    or soured older horses in snaffles, and works up into
    different bits as he goes along.  
    
    Lynne 
    The bit 
    

    re. which trainer are you talking about ????
    
    as far as youngesters and horses with good mouths , i would assume a
    snaffle. 
    
    its just not the mouth piece (port, snaffle) you have to consider the
    thickness of the mouthpiece, shape of the shank(striahgt curverd),
    the length of the shank,*and also (most people forget this) the lenght
    of the top to the mouth piece matched agaisted the lenght from the 
    motuhpiece to end of the shank (this gives you the leverage)
    
    I good (GOOD) way to test of the bit you are using as far as leverage
    (severity) is to take your boot, put it in between the bit and the curb
    strap. Now take the reins a pull up like you would to stop the horse.
    (did it hurt???) :*} makes me think twice everytime i pick up on a
    horse after doing that! I Have this most beautfil sterling bit (I did
    that and it hurt!!! ) I used it very little and ended up wrapping it to
    keep it quite and also to add more thickness.
    
    Does anyone know what/how reiners wrap the mouthpiece to add more
    thickness?? there is a way but The way i use just stays for a day or
    so.(any advice would be appreciated)
    
    Also If anyone*** knows if there is a blacksmith that will make bits 
    the way you would like them??? please let me know
    
    
    wendyo'
    
    
    	wendy o'
    
    
    

    Re .6 - My trainer is Earl "Pat" Patterson from McKinney, TX.
                                                              
    He sells paints & QH's.  I bought my gelding from him when
    the horse was 1-1/2 yrs old, and had him trained to ride
    (western pleasure & trail) and then shipped him here to MA.
    I've watched Pat put his retired Champion "Rowdy", then 
    23 yrs old, through a reining pattern at a show.  
    It's fascinating to watch, and very impressive, too.
    Rowdy is now 26 and is teaching kids how to ride. :-)                  
                        
    Lynne

    Reply to .6...Wendy...
    We wrap our english weymouth bits with latex...we usually don't have a
    problem of having them come undone.  Do you use something else to wrap?
    I have seen them wrapped in rawhide...still have one done in that
    manner; it must be about 30 years old.
    
    If you are interested I will ask my husband how he wraps with the
    latex.
    
    Kathie
    

    A way to compare the severity of the 'leverage' portion of bits 
    is to measure.                        
    
     The amount shank under the mouthpiece divided by the amount of shank 
    over the mouthpiece gives you the bit leverage.
    
    ie: if there is 3 inches below the mouthpiece and 1 inch above your
    horse feels 3 times your pull.
        if there is 4 inches below and 1/2 inch above then the horse
    feels 8 times your pull.
    
    I don't know a lot about this myself, I remember reading it a long
    time ago and it made quite an impression on me.
    
    Sharon S 
                       

    re.last
    I put in here about testing leverage with my foot method,
    thats a lasting inpression :*}
    
    re. latex, yes please I would like that alot, and I need to know how 
    to buy it (just the latex bandage rolls) rahide i wish i could find 
    out how to do that as well.. my method was duck tape and i took at off
    each time,, cuz it got gorss
    
    
    		wendy o'
    
    
    

    Wendy,
    	There is a bit maker in town that charges around $50 for a
    custom bit. If you want the info on him let me know. By the way
    "intown" Is Colorado Springs. He making a special d ring snaffel 
    for my sister inlaw now. I'll let you know how it turns out.
    
    Carl K.
     

    There is a bit maker here in Mass., but I don't know his name. 
    I've seen his work - really interesting stuff.  For instance 
    he'll put together a snaffle with a slow twist on one half, and
    a plain mouth on the other, (for a horse with a tendency to
    ignore aids in one direction...)  To get his name, call Carl Catani
    at River Wind in Rehobeth, MA.  They use this fellow a lot.

    Did River Wind farm move?  They used to be in Pembroke....
    

    You can buy Latex at the tack shops to wrap your bits. You may even
    find it in some of the feed stores.
    
    I personally do not like snaffle bits. I find that the youngsters do
    not like the joint part of the bit hitting the roof of their mouths.
    
    I try to stay with a low port as possible bit and in thew uxeter
    (spelling) or the kimberwick family of bits. I leave off the curb chain
    and may if I need it use a leather curb strap. I do alot of my training
    with the animals in their halters and bosals.
    
    tr
    
    ps...I have seen a trainer I will not say any names...cut a colts
    tongue in half with a snaffle. So that stopped me from using it.

    Re -.1  You're absolutely right.  River Wind is in Pembroke.
    I just had a "dumb attack" there...

    Wendy...
    The latex can be found at tack shops and as far as wrapping it goes
    just snug it down, make it the thickness you want and when all finished
    squeeze the bit and wrapping with your hands.
    
    It is easy to cut...some folks can rip it.  We found that the narrow
    wide was better to get around ports, etc.  With the majority of the
    bits we did the bars and left the ports free.  Not sure how it would
    work on the port.
    
    Good luck
    
    Kathie