MA>The only one I've ever used was a low curb.  It's the curb chain, various
  >placements of reins, etc. that bothers me.  Actually, what bothers me is
  >the "quick fix" philosophy.  You know, let the bit do the work that you
  >either won't take the time to do, or don't know how to do....
MA>Obviously, there are horses and times when a nice, fat loose ring snaffle
  >just won't do (g).  But the horse should e given the benefit of the doubt 
as
  >far as I'm concerned.  Lest you think I sit here on Mt. Olympus and rain
  >down my high and mighty ideas (g), this is from a woman who used to use a
  >Segunda on Thistle!!
I never use a fat loose ring snaffle.  I was told when I started riding
that they could pinch my horses mouth.  I don't know if its true but it
looked possible at the time.  If I'm using a snaffle I use a eggbutt or
a D-ring snaffle.  I was glad to see that part about the snaffle not
always doing the trick.  I started in a snaffle with Smokey but since he
had only had twisted wire, nasty curbs and gag bits in his mouth he
ignored the bit.  A leg command to him was a sharp jab with a rowel.
One thing that has happened though with all this talk about kimberwickes
is that since I have an extra bridle right now as soon as my wrist is
well enough (I hurt it again tripping over Mr. Dog, its the worst its
ever been) I think I'll put the snaffle in it and use it when we are
alone or only one or two other horses is in the arena.  I'm never going
to get him trained to respond to it if I never use it.  I spend a lot of
time riding on the buckle anyway.  The only thing I really use the
bridle for is to tell him to wake up and pay attention and to help him
to balance through curves along with all the other aids.
Debby
---
 þ QMPro 1.50 93-4227 þ Coffee is a way of life.
---------------