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I also wanted to say thanks to everyone who answered ^^ I did some research about hackamores, learned that if the horse isn't trained correctly, using a hackamore can be very painful for them, and can lead to behavioral problems I also read that snaffle bits are quite good? Do any of you have opinions on snaffles? |
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Snaffles are the best. I would go for a loose ring or D ring. There just a soft and simple bit. (Although anything can be harsh if used incorrectly). |
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A grape said:
I also wanted to say thanks to everyone who answered ^^ I did some research about hackamores, learned that if the horse isn't trained correctly, using a hackamore can be very painful for them, and can lead to behavioral problems I also read that snaffle bits are quite good? Do any of you have opinions on snaffles?
Snaffles in general are considered good all-around bits, although there are so many kinds of snaffles out there that it would be difficult to address them all in one forum post! For snaffles, the biggest differences are created by the mouthpieces, and less so by the rings. Loose ring, eggbutt, D ring, and full cheek single joint snaffles will have a nearly identical action on the horse's mouth. That single jointed snaffle will itself be quite different from the myriad of double jointed snaffles, mullen mouths, ported snaffles, etc. Some bits that are snaffles can be very harsh-- a double twisted wire is still a snaffle because it acts via direct pressure (no leverage) but the thin textured wires of the mouthpiece can be painful in the wrong hands. Regardless of what bit you have in the horse's mouth, you must have educated hands if you want to use it well! |
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My entire barn is in love with RS saddlery for western work saddles! They're about 800-900 new, but you can find them used for less. I personally recommend bell boots, especially if the horse has shoes. They can help over reaching as well. As far as wraps, it all depends on what you plan on doing! The farrier question depends on your horse, when we got my horse he was on a every 6 week scedule with shoes, and hes now every 8 weeks without shoes. Totally depends on the horse! Bit is another thing that depends on the horse, but the rider aswell. I personally wouldn't recommend a hackmore as they can be a bit harsh if they aren't used correctly, but it's always something to work towards! Bits depend on discipline, so i'd work with a trainer to find a good fit. Or of course just continue using what the horse is used to. When you look at a place to board, make sure it's somewhere you feel comfortable with your horse! Dont just decide it's good because it's a lower price. Make sure when you tour the facility they have water, hay, turnout, clean stalls, etc. Avoid unsanitary/drama barns for obvious reasons. Hope this helps!! if you have any questions let me know :) |
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EmeraldHillsFarm said:
A grape said:
I also wanted to say thanks to everyone who answered ^^ I did some research about hackamores, learned that if the horse isn't trained correctly, using a hackamore can be very painful for them, and can lead to behavioral problems I also read that snaffle bits are quite good? Do any of you have opinions on snaffles?
Snaffles in general are considered good all-around bits, although there are so many kinds of snaffles out there that it would be difficult to address them all in one forum post! For snaffles, the biggest differences are created by the mouthpieces, and less so by the rings. Loose ring, eggbutt, D ring, and full cheek single joint snaffles will have a nearly identical action on the horse's mouth. That single jointed snaffle will itself be quite different from the myriad of double jointed snaffles, mullen mouths, ported snaffles, etc. Some bits that are snaffles can be very harsh-- a double twisted wire is still a snaffle because it acts via direct pressure (no leverage) but the thin textured wires of the mouthpiece can be painful in the wrong hands. Regardless of what bit you have in the horse's mouth, you must have educated hands if you want to use it well!
The only thing with this is if you plan on showing western (I know you said western saddle, so this is only if you plan on showing) , snaffles aren't legal on a horse over 4 in the pleasure world atleast. But if you aren't doing wp,hms, etc I agree they're great bits! |
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I personally love hackamores but it all depends on the horse. My mare refuses bits which is why i have her in a hackamore and she does great! No bad behaviors or pain :) |
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Superior Equines said:
EmeraldHillsFarm said:
A grape said:
I also wanted to say thanks to everyone who answered ^^ I did some research about hackamores, learned that if the horse isn't trained correctly, using a hackamore can be very painful for them, and can lead to behavioral problems I also read that snaffle bits are quite good? Do any of you have opinions on snaffles?
Snaffles in general are considered good all-around bits, although there are so many kinds of snaffles out there that it would be difficult to address them all in one forum post! For snaffles, the biggest differences are created by the mouthpieces, and less so by the rings. Loose ring, eggbutt, D ring, and full cheek single joint snaffles will have a nearly identical action on the horse's mouth. That single jointed snaffle will itself be quite different from the myriad of double jointed snaffles, mullen mouths, ported snaffles, etc. Some bits that are snaffles can be very harsh-- a double twisted wire is still a snaffle because it acts via direct pressure (no leverage) but the thin textured wires of the mouthpiece can be painful in the wrong hands. Regardless of what bit you have in the horse's mouth, you must have educated hands if you want to use it well!
The only thing with this is if you plan on showing western (I know you said western saddle, so this is only if you plan on showing) , snaffles aren't legal on a horse over 4 in the pleasure world atleast. But if you aren't doing wp,hms, etc I agree they're great bits!
Correct, and hackamores aren't allowed in judged shows at all. You can ride a bosal but again, only on a horse under 6 (varies from show to show, most of the ones down here in the South US have the age limit at 6) |
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For question 1 i think you should go with what fits your horse and what allows you to ride at your best when looking into saddle-buying. I think saddles should be purchased after the horse is bought, so that it is properly fitted and doesn't cause sores/other problems. About bareback riding: i don't know of any horses that are trained only for bareback. All the horses I know are trained under saddle and can be ridden bareback every once in a while depending on how they react to the feeling of a rider directly on their back. - question 2 boots and wraps depend on the discipline of the horse. Western is just a general category, no necessarily a discipline. Barrel racing needs overreach boots, but a western trail horse may not need boots or wraps at all. It also depends on how your horse moves and how likely it is to hit its front legs with it back ones. Of course, boots/wraps have more purposes than this. - question 3 this depends on the horse, and what shoes it wears (if any). - question 4 Bits depend on the horse, discipline, and rider. Hackamores aren't necessarily for beginners. There's no one bit specifically for beginners. |
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5. What to look for and avoid when finding a place to board? This is the only one I feel qualified to answer. Having worked/volunteered at a few barns. State of the property is definitely a fantastic indicator at how well they will pay attention to your horse. If the whole place is covered in cobwebbs and dust then they typically fail to pay attention to other things as well, such as hoof condition if they do schedule farrier visits for you. Anyone can clean up a barn just once for pictures but if you visit and all the fences are maintained, barn is generally clean, and tackroom and viewing room are kept nice and organized it's likely a place where they will pay good attention to your horse. |
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Showers Off and On
