>>> She also told me that the bit she uses is similar to an English snaffle except it has long metal pieces on the sides--I'm guessing that those are shanks?
It could be, or as Jeannette suggested it could simply be a full cheek snaffle. Those are popular with a lot of the NH-type western riders these days. Ask her what part is similar to an English snaffle - does it have a broken mouthpiece? Is she neck reining or direct reining? (I know you may not know these answers, but these are things for you to be checking into.) >>> I'm curious--is her horse lighter and more responsive because of the shanked bit? The bit doesn't make the horse light - the rider, coupled with the horse's prior training makes him/her light. Even things like saddle fit and fear, confusion can contribute to the feeling of lightness vs. heaviness. Regardless of the bit, western riders rarely use a lot of contact. (I'm sure some do - there seems to be no limit to the combinations of things people try...) There really isn't a formal distinction between "English" and "western" riding. Instead, it tends to be a cumulation of differences, none of which are defining alone. There's no reason a horse can't be light when ridden in an "English" saddle, with an "English" bit - or even if ridden bareback with a halter. Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED]
