What would be a good bit for...?

[LLStar117]

Ok we are picking up a pony. I don't think she will work for us long term, due to her size and if my daughter goes thru another growth spurt, she will be too small. But, the price is just too good to pass up, and she will be good to fill in until we find a bigger pony. I am most positive we could resell her for atleast twice the price, the seller just had no time to show the pony to the right buyers.

One thing with the pony, she has sore in her mouth on the left side of the lower jaw right behind the outside front tooth. Now really it just looks like she could of nicked it on a pc of wood, there was some blood, it looked fresh. It was not gaping, and the bit I used (a bit too large western curb bit) did not touch the spot, but when I tried to remove the bit, she bit onto it and would not let go. So I reached in and pinched the bars to make her release. Well I touched that spot (how we found it was there) and she reacted to the pain.

I wonder what kind of bit could I use on her that would not hurt her more. I do not think the bit I used caused the sore. But the owner did say that his daughter was into natural horsemanship and only rode in a halter and lead, no other tack. She was fine with the saddle and everything else. It was just the bit.

Is there a kinder softer, western bit that could be used for 4H?

Thanks Jennie

[pinkhorselady]

Maybe you could use a bitless bridle or a hackamore until it heals...? Does the problem only arise when you remove the bit from her mouth? If so, it might be hard to put anything in her mouth until it's healed, since any bit will potentially touch it when you're trying to get her to drop it when taking off the bridle.

I hope she works out well for you in the interim!

[LLStar117]

I do have a bitless I do plan on using on her until she heals. I was just thinking of what she could use if we put her in a 4H show. I hope it heals by then but lets say if it turns out to be a long term issue, do I have an atlertative that meets the 4h rules?

She did not want to accept the bit at first, she bit onto it, but eventually gave up and let it in. Did the same with it coming out. I took it as, lack of wanting to take it since she hadn't had one in about 3 years.

[nlk]

a tom thumb

[amandaandtuff]

How old is said pony?

[LLStar117]

Pony is 8-10 years old

[renegadespiritcat]

A tom thumb is not a kind or gentle bit for specifics I will direct Stormie here to offer you her very detailed and useful info in regards to that nut cracker contraption.
A Mullen mouthed gently curved thumb thickness mouthpiece is generally a fairly gentle western bit but will give you control if you need it. Most of your signal should be coming from your seat and weight shifts, using legs to cue and guide and hands upon the reins to bit as a back up reminder ONLY for your animals signals and direction.
Bitless is great for winter and trails but if shown she would need be in a proper western bit for Western classes. You could also look into a colt bit with a dog bone mid link they are good for horses that are more sensitive and need a bit that offers them tongue relief and something to also play with if they have nervous energy.
~Cat~

[LLStar117]

My post must not have gone thru when I replied to the tom thumb. I don't own one and and refuse to use one. I used to but now know better. Thanks Cat for the other info on bits. I used to use a o-ring snaffle on Bonnie, and have a few variations of that. But nothing I have is small enough for this new pony. I will need to measure her and then go on the Bit Hunt!

[amandaandtuff]

I'd try as many different bits as possible. If you were in the area I'd let you come check out my collection. I'll take pictures of some western event acceptable bits I think may work.

[xpButtercup]

Maybe one of those Happy Mouth or whatever with the nice coating...

[LLStar117]

Ahh I"ll look at the happy mouths. I have seen them online before. I did ask the 4H leader at the meeting last nite, and she said we could use a hack or bitless in the local shows, since a lof of the classes are speed events. Just when we go shows outside our area then she will need a western bit. No worries yet, gives me time to look for the best bit, for the best price. I need to figure out her mouth size too, she's the smallest critter on hooves I've owned! I still have the bit I used on Cysco and I think that one is too big. But its Oring anyway. Thanks everybody.

[nlk]

You would do best to read your rules most of these bits that are being listed are not legal by 4-h western standards....Snaffles are not legal on anything over 5 in any western class...

[amandaandtuff]

For speed you may use whatever, for speed it has to have at least a 3" shank (I believe) and a curb strap/chain.

[nlk]

Feb 10, 2009 16:09:23 GMT -5 amandaandtuff said:

For speed you may use whatever, for speed it has to have at least a 3" shank (I believe) and a curb strap/chain.

I might have misread then I thought she was looking for western classes.

I guess I think western = pleasure or horsemanship not speed, even though they are both western!

[LLStar117]

there are both western and speed classes. But I guess the 4H down here isn't so strict, until you go to the larger shows at the end of the summer. We are in southern alabama now.