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Custom Training Snaffles
SKU:
$35.00
35
55
$35.00 - $55.00
Unavailable
per item
MY PHILOSOPHY ON HEADGEAR
Horses are individuals. No two are alike. Just as all the cookie-cutter training programs out there do not address the exact needs of the individual in front of you, there is no magic bit that works on all horses, every time. Plain snaffle bits are great. I use them all the time - by far more than anything else. On some occasions, I've started in a halter and ended up riding for months in a traditional hackamore because that's what felt right for that horse at that point. Of course, these colts were started by me with my idea of how a horse should feel and respond. They were a clean slate. That's where these custom mouthpiece shapes come in. They can be very helpful in certain training situations; commonly older, poorly started, or just plain poorly ridden horses that have become unresponsive to rein aids. This is likely due to heavy and/or inconsistent hands, though some are just born without much feel. I prefer to ride each horse in a neutral, consistent way and adjust the means (in this case the bit) to achieve the same end - responsiveness to my cues. This is not accomplished by a pain response, but by getting inside the horse's brain. We want to let their own decision to disrespect the bit be an uncomfortable endeavor and their choice to move off the pressure be their reward. This will create a black & white, clear-as-day memory based on their own calculations and decisions. We want them thinking, not reacting, and certainly not ignoring. This is always true regardless of the type of bit used, but like I said in the beginning, horses are all different and you need to be able to adjust to their needs without compromising your own equitation. Its exactly the same with leg cues and spurs, but that's a subject for another place and time!
* * * *
DISCLAIMER: NOT FOR BEGINNERS. THESE ARE NOT MILD BITS IN THE WRONG HANDS. THEY HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO MAKE A HORSE MORE RESISTANT OR CAUSE HARM IF USED IMPROPERLY. USE GOOD JUDGEMENT AND COMMON SENSE WHEN CONSIDERING THESE BITS. THEY ARE MARKETED TOWARDS TRAINERS AND EXPERIENCED RIDERS ONLY. I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR MISUSE.
* * * *
These bits are hand-ground out of sturdy sweet iron and polished to a smooth finish. Unlike copper, these will not gall or wear out on the edges which could cause mouth irritation or diminished functionality. I find these designs much more effective and agreeable with the horse than a twisted wire. My snaffles are built around a 5 1/4" wide mouth and 3" rings made from 1/4" round stock. Choice of straight or mullen bars. Mouthpiece shapes are optional; please refer to the diagram below. Slow twists can be ordered with a 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, or full twist. Include the shape, and if applicable, the amount of twist you want in the purchase notes.
Currently, I am only offering the options listed here. No D-rings or curb bits will be available to the public until I can expand my workshop. Please e-mail me with any special requests and I will see what I can do.
USPS shipping is included in prices.
None of these bits are NRCHA show legal.
Horses are individuals. No two are alike. Just as all the cookie-cutter training programs out there do not address the exact needs of the individual in front of you, there is no magic bit that works on all horses, every time. Plain snaffle bits are great. I use them all the time - by far more than anything else. On some occasions, I've started in a halter and ended up riding for months in a traditional hackamore because that's what felt right for that horse at that point. Of course, these colts were started by me with my idea of how a horse should feel and respond. They were a clean slate. That's where these custom mouthpiece shapes come in. They can be very helpful in certain training situations; commonly older, poorly started, or just plain poorly ridden horses that have become unresponsive to rein aids. This is likely due to heavy and/or inconsistent hands, though some are just born without much feel. I prefer to ride each horse in a neutral, consistent way and adjust the means (in this case the bit) to achieve the same end - responsiveness to my cues. This is not accomplished by a pain response, but by getting inside the horse's brain. We want to let their own decision to disrespect the bit be an uncomfortable endeavor and their choice to move off the pressure be their reward. This will create a black & white, clear-as-day memory based on their own calculations and decisions. We want them thinking, not reacting, and certainly not ignoring. This is always true regardless of the type of bit used, but like I said in the beginning, horses are all different and you need to be able to adjust to their needs without compromising your own equitation. Its exactly the same with leg cues and spurs, but that's a subject for another place and time!
* * * *
DISCLAIMER: NOT FOR BEGINNERS. THESE ARE NOT MILD BITS IN THE WRONG HANDS. THEY HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO MAKE A HORSE MORE RESISTANT OR CAUSE HARM IF USED IMPROPERLY. USE GOOD JUDGEMENT AND COMMON SENSE WHEN CONSIDERING THESE BITS. THEY ARE MARKETED TOWARDS TRAINERS AND EXPERIENCED RIDERS ONLY. I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR MISUSE.
* * * *
These bits are hand-ground out of sturdy sweet iron and polished to a smooth finish. Unlike copper, these will not gall or wear out on the edges which could cause mouth irritation or diminished functionality. I find these designs much more effective and agreeable with the horse than a twisted wire. My snaffles are built around a 5 1/4" wide mouth and 3" rings made from 1/4" round stock. Choice of straight or mullen bars. Mouthpiece shapes are optional; please refer to the diagram below. Slow twists can be ordered with a 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, or full twist. Include the shape, and if applicable, the amount of twist you want in the purchase notes.
Currently, I am only offering the options listed here. No D-rings or curb bits will be available to the public until I can expand my workshop. Please e-mail me with any special requests and I will see what I can do.
USPS shipping is included in prices.
None of these bits are NRCHA show legal.