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There are three new articles on bits to share with you. One is here: Bits Article, and then there are links within that to the others.

But I am open to discussion on bits, snaffle bits, curb bits, and bitless riding. <img src="/images/graemlins/tut.gif" alt="" /> What kind do you use and why?

I ride with a hack. My horse had been badly treated before I got him and was incredibly hard mouthed. Rather than going to some extreme bit that he couldn't ignore, I went to a hack. He's so easy to handle with it and seems to enjoy the freedom from metal in his mouth.

He's also the horse on the farm that guests ride. (He's a "been there - done that" kind of guy.) With the hack, I don't have to worry about inexperienced riders hurting him. If they get confused or panicky, all he has to do is stop and tuck his head to releave all pressure.

My son also rides with a hack. He re-trained his off track thoroughbred that way and it worked great.

That's an excellent choice for a hard mouth.

I want to go bitless; right now I use a snaffle. But since I share him with another rider, I worry that I may cause problems for her if I get him used to no bit.