This message is from: Emily Wigley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Vic asked a good question about fitting bits. There are a couple of
ways of going about it, and I think the easiest is to put a bit in
the mouth, decide if it fits (does it pinch at the corners, or does
too much stick out of the corners, or is it just right, and then
measure the bit. Measure only the mouthpiece of the bit, not the
cheekpieces, and be sure to use a not-floppy measuring tape, i.e. a
carpenter's tape not a seamstress' tape.
As to the kimberwicke, I don't like them. I prefer a snaffle, and if
it isn't enough I try a thinner snaffle. If that isn't enough brakes
then I'd recommend the good old fashioned tom thumb pelham with bit
converters so you only ride with one rein, and a relatively loose
curb chain or a rolled leather curb strap. If you want to learn to
ride with two reins, then skip the converter and learn to ride with
two reins, making sure to hold the mouthpiece rein lower in your
fingers (pinky), and the curb rein (the rein off the shank end of the
bit) closer to your index fingers; this way the mouthpiece works more
and the curb and its chain or strap work less..... but they're there
if you need them.
Of course all of this assumes (never a good practice!!) that a
rider's hands are steady and kind. If not, take a few lessons or
have a friend watch you ride and give a few pointers. Don't have a
ground person? Video tape yourself, if only for a minute or three,
and you'll see your own hands. Put a grab strap on the saddle, or a
stirrup leather around the horse's neck so you hold that more than
you do the reins. Learn to use your seat and body to gently half
halt your way to understanding "whoa" with your horse.
I don't much care for kimberwickes because I they are like a "jack of
all trades and master of none" in that they try to offer two reins
off essentially a non-shanked ring and it doesn't really work well
for either. Horses I've seen in kimberwickes tend to pull and curl
down rather than responding happily.
Just my 2ยข.... but I really like a hollow mouth loose ring snaffle or
a KK french link snaffle (find them for less $ on ebay and tack sales
if the price frightens you like it does me!!).
Emily
and Biscuit and Nils, both in loose rings happily and responsively,
teaching students to halt with their seats more than anything else :-)
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