> BK> Well I used to ride CJ in a long shanked snaffle
 
> If it has a shank it isn't technically a snaffle.  It is probably
> what so many of the cowboys around here use on their horses, a
> broken-mouthed curb bit.
 
Definately not a curb..   Someone in here had a name for it and I can't 
remember.. (getting old) ;)
 
> It's got a curb starp or curb chain, right?
 
Yep.. but not a curb bit.
 
 
> Like what they also mistakenly call a "Tom Thumb snaffle" - also not a
> REAL snaffle, 'cos a snaffle doesn't have a curb.
 
I know I know! ;)
 
> BK> becuase of the above. Howver I just went back and re-
> BK> did some of her foundation and re-did the "Whoa" part.
> BK> I exclusively ride her snaffle now. I haven't used that
> BK> long shank snaffle in years. *IF* She shows any
> BK> inclination to ignore the whoa then I have a series of
> BK> little work routines that fixes it really quickly! ;)
 
> You trust her on the trail with the snaffle, or she doesn't go out
> on the trail with or without?
 
I'd ride her anywhere in a snaffle.. but given she's a lousey trail horse and 
the trails are really limited without crossing the LA River and then riding 
the trails in Griffith Park.. I wouldn't even think about crossing the river 
with CJ let alone riding her in the park. If I had a truck and trailer I'd 
take her up to the high desert where I know she'd be fine.
 
>  I saw Bucky run away with a snaffle (Ralph
> was driving him, it wasn't pretty when the cart tipped over on him...)
> and it made me a whole lot more aware of the hazards of driving and the
> fact that a horse can probably run through a snaffle without much
> difficulty.  But last time I rode Dub out on the trail with just a
> snaffle, he didn't get out of control - but, boy, did my arms and elbows
> ache the next day!
 
 
You train the horse properly.. and use the bit in case of emergency.. 
personally I don't like depending on a bit. A lot of horse do not have a 
proper foundation on them.. and if they did they've lost it along the way.
 
Of course CJ is a horse I'd never consider driving with either.. :/.
 
 
                                     BK
--- DB A3000sl/001347
---------------