Ahh bits. Choosing, buying, sizing. What do they do? What is this one good for? This one looks scary. So many CHOICES! Different configurations. And why do sometimes two bits look EXACTLY the same and one is THREE TIMES the price.
Well, I can’t answer all these questions for you. I am still a novice and sometimes stronger bits scare me because I don’t want to hurt or sour my horse. And that is the reason for this post.
For MONTHS I have been hmm’ing and haww’ing over putting B in a stronger bit, because as an OTTB he is SUPER strong in my hands and very heavy on the forehand. It made rides a chore and unbalanced. The reason I elected to give him so many chances at a softer bit is because I recognize that I am an intermediate rider and my hands are not perfect; and he pulls, and I was concerned that he would continue pulling and learn to ignore the stronger bit.
Well last Friday night I finally pulled the plug and put B in a kimberwick. And let me tell you, it was a MIRACLE! This horse is like night and day. I can finally SIT UP and not be CONSTANTLY pulled onto his neck. I can give stronger leg aids because my legs aren’t constantly working double duty anchoring me down and trying to give him aids. I am not constantly correcting the gait. I am thrilled.
I had two lessons this weekend, back to back, Saturday and Sunday and even my coach is blown away. We finally feel like we can make significant progress with Bacardi.
Below is a short clip from our lesson yesterday:
B and I are so thankful to our coach and so excited for more progress in the coming months!
Happy riding,
A+B