- Thread starter
- #1,141
abigalerose
Songster
- Feb 22, 2016
- 951
- 246
- 121
Ohh! There was a lot of reading I must have missed that. I though @I Love Layers just meant to go out trail riding and I didn't understand why you'd need a certain bit for that

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Why would you need one for trails?
If the horse needs a harsher bit to be able to behave while doing something it sounds like he just needs more training.
I've always ridden June in just a snaffle, if she tries to push through it while we're doing something we go back to the basics and teach her, I would never just stick a harsher bit in her mouth.
I'm trying to get her where I can ride in a neckrope, no sense in back peddling.
Did someone tell you that you needed a harsher bit or do you just think that you do?
Not that curb bits are necessarily harsher, just depends how and who's using them.
Like Bunnylady said its need to compete.
Look into the rules and talk with your leader - you likely just need a "shanked" bit vs. something with a solid ported mouthpiece. A "curb" is generally a bit with a shank of any length and that requires a curb chain. It doesn't have to have a solid ported mouthpiece.
If you want to go with something really mild that transitions well with a snaffle, go with a short curved shank and a double jointed mouthpiece. Straight shafts and a single joint (i.e. Tom Thumb style) can be quite severe when not used gently and quite confusing to a horse that is accustomed to a milder bit.
This is the style I would use: http://www.sstack.com/western_bitscurbs_dutton-bits/dutton-teardrop-dog-bone-snaffle-bit/
Schneider's has a TON of bits to choose from, and is one of the biggest vendors at the AQHA World Show in OKC. You can probably find any bit you want on their site: http://www.sstack.com/western_bitscurbs . If you want a standard low port curb, but with a little bling to it, you will find lots of options!
I need some tips.... Got my baby boy's first halter and I've been teaching him to stand while I put it on him and take it off and he's been wearing it most days all day to get used to it, but what next? Im new to the whole raising a colt, or foal in general, thing....
I halter broke my two sheep, but they were way easier. I need to get a smaller rope with a smaller snap because the one I have weighs down his head too much. He's a mini foal, so much smaller than regular size, so I don't want to risk hurting his neck.
Im going to make a trip to a store and get rope to make a rope halter for him and one for his mom. I want to get a good sized rope to us for a lead with rope to rope connection. What thickness should the rope be? For halters and rope?I halter broke my two sheep, but they were way easier. I need to get a smaller rope with a smaller snap because the one I have weighs down his head too much. He's a mini foal, so much smaller than regular size, so I don't want to risk hurting his neck.
You could use a rope halter instead so it is lighter