Just wondering what everyone uses for training as far as bridle, bit, draw reins and/or martingal etc when training (in the saddle). I have heard from some trainers that less is better. Example, regular snaffle bridle, and martingal well other trainers use much more.

~Cassie

we have mostly always used a snaffle and martingale. i do occasionally use draw reins as well. (attached high, not low!)

on the ground we bridle them with an overcheck and side reins.

We always use a snaffle for hacking. In the circingle I use martigale, regualr snaffle and (mild, smei loose) over check. I also long line my horses with the draw rein and martingale method. An English horse should already have a natural head set and way of going so you're not really *training* for a head set, only suggesting to the horse that it's head should remain in a frame while in tack.

It is important to get the horse used to the pressure of the curb strap before attempting a class in full bridle but most trainers that I have ever worked with use very light hands on the curb rein.


Here is an article that I found interesting: http://sunrisefarm.netfirms.com/drawreins.html

Thanks for the tips and the great article!

~Cassie

I'm not a trainer, per se, but I have worked with numerous saddleseat horses in the past. For training, I REFUSE to ride in anything more than a snaffle/martingale setup unless there is a safety issue requiring something else. For lunging, I run the lines through one of the top rings on the surcingle, through the bit, and then back to the surcingle and clip on one of the top rings. Again, I don't like using much more than that other than an overcheck unless it's absolutely necessary. More severe methods do have their place on some horses in some situations, but it's just not my preference.

What kinds of snaffle bits are popular with SS arabs/half arabs?

What bit I use on my English horses depends on the individual horse. While I prefer to use a half cheek bit, the mouthpiece will entirely depend on the horse, from a smooth, to a single twist, to a dr bristol, to a mullen, to a fishback (only used it ONCE, on ONE horse ~ he was a real stinker), it really just depends on what the horse needs.

I know the mouthpiece all depends on the horse. Do other displines use half cheeks as well or is it just because we use them for show driving that they are popular in ss?

I agree, schooling in a snaffle or half cheak with a martingale is the best way to go for schooling at home(away from a show or if you need to work on softening your horse). But don't forget, if you are planning on showing a horse in any CEP/EP divisions that is over six years of age they have to be in the double bridle, so its important that you incorporate introducing them to the new equimpment at home sooner than later. I know of several trainers that start off with just riding them in the curb with no chain, and then they incorporate the chain and eventualy the bradoon. Its important to check this out so you can see if your horse is going to be fine with the new "hardware" or if he might be a little fussy, it takes some of them a while to accept it, which is the only reason I encourage working your horse in this equipment from time to time at home as well as your basic training equipment.

Personally I prefer the half cheek because of the virtual inability of the bit to slide through the horse's mouth (as it can in an o-ring or d-ring).



Actually, that is not entirely accurate. The only Saddleseat division where a double bridle is mandatory following the Junior Horse years is Park.

Below is from the rule book:

SUBCHAPTER AR-4. PARK HORSE SECTION.

AR116 Appointments.

1. Bridle shall be light, show type; either single curb, curb and snaffle, or pelham bit. Only Junior Horses are eligible to compete in single snaffles.

SUBCHAPTER AR-5 ENGLISH PLEASURE SECTION.

AR120 Appointments.

1. Bridle shall be light, show type; either single curb, single snaffle, curb and snaffle, or pelham bit.

SUBCHAPTER AR-6 COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE SECTION.

AR124 Appointments.

1. Bridle shall be light, show type, either single snaffle, single curb, curb and snaffle, or pelham bit.

Hopefully this clarifies the rules on snaffles being allowed in CEP and EP classes.