New Bridle for Betty (Episode 237) - Herm Gailey: A Lifetime with Horses

[@vicki1141]

As a non competitive , casual rider , i find bits intimidating to understand. Your knowledge is greatly appreciated. Takes a lifetime I believe.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Sometimes the best practice is to just experiment. Try a new bit. If the horse throws his head up and runs off a cliff, it was a bad idea!

[@hhlagen]

Learning

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Aren’t we all?!

[@gail2283]

Thanks for the video. I just got a 5 year old QH - been riding her in a snaffle bit - she too has the the habit of pulling through it - I think it's time to move her out of the snaffle. Thanks for the advice.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Glad the video was helpful. It does occur to me that if your horse is a five-year-old she has probably been ridden in the snaffle exclusively for several years. Under those circumstances, it certainly is not surprising that she would learn to push through the bridle .I agree that a change in bits is certainly worth trying. Good luck!

[@carolmay-ud8cs]

I know that Argentine snaffles have swept back cheeks. Is that the only difference between it and the much criticized Tom Thumb? What are your thoughts on an Argentine snaffle? The trainer for the horse I was riding, out of his tack room full of bits, found that the only one the horse liked was an expensive sweet iron Argentine snaffle from bitmaker, Gordon Hayes. The horse is also a sensitive prima donna. Cutting horse bred. I also like to watch Tim Anderson’s videos.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

You are right that one of the biggest differences between the Tom thumb and the Argentine snaffle is the greater degree of angle on the shank of the Argentine. This adds some signal and enhances leverage. Equally as important is the fact that the shank to purchase ratio in the Argentina is higher. That means the part of the cheek below the mouthpiece is considerably longer than the part which is above the mouthpiece. This increases the leverage and mechanical advantage of the Argentine. Overall, the Argentine snaffle is a much much better bit. Hope this helps. By the way, I share your high opinion of Tim Anderson.