All in favor, say “aye.”

Aye!!!

The D&L Reiner has provisions to be used as a 2-rein. One set at the mouthpiece like regular snaffle, the other at the shanks. I ain’t got the skills to handle 2 reins (barely got one set figured out) so I haven’t tried it but it is an option.

Long cheeks equal short hands. My thoughts on using short shanks on bits for young horses is it lets my mind wander a little to concentrate on training them. If I move my hands a little too much a short shank is more forgiving. The benefit of long shanks isn’t leverage but quickness - a very slight move of the rein translates a signal to the horse.

Watch a skilled horseman on a well trained horse using a spade bit. You have to really concentrate to see any movement of the rein yet the horse performs with quickness and agility.

My favorite going from snaffle to curb is an Argentine snaffle, basically a short shank snaffle bit. I also use a Tom Thumb bit. I feel these allow the horse the familiarity of the snaffle bit while letting them learn about curb strap and bridle pressures. I try to find the shortest shanks possible..I think the one I use has 4 or 4 1/2″ shanks. Actually shank length has more to do with the rider than the horse….longer shanks magnify the movement of the reins. If you can concentrate on keeping rein movemenets very slight you can go to a longer shank. Shorter shanks allow a bit more “sloppiness”.

A well respected trainer in our area really likes to use a correction bit and does get good results trasitioning with it. One of horses, “Jake”, came from there and he does go very well in his correction bit. I just can’t say I have much experience with them.

I think the Billy Allen bit is also a good choice but I prefer to save it to use between a short shank snaffle and a solid curb such as a grazing bit. Again I think it has enough familiar aspects for the horse while introducing the basics of a solid bit.

I looked at the link you have and think that would be a good bit to start with. It’s hard to tell but maybe I would prefer a smooth mouthpiece rather than the wrapped copper. Although I like copper in a bit I would have to actually have to see what they achieve with wrapping it. I like to use a leather strap curb strap rather than a chain type, at first anyway. Just make sure it is adjustable as curb strap adjustments are critical.

I know Les Vogt has a line of bits. I would try and get any information you could about them. To be honest I’m not real picky with my snaffle bits compared to a curb bit.

Some Links to Look at
http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?PGGUID=defd5d51-f04c-400c-81ee-f5c526e48314

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?PGGUID=30e0757b-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5

http://lesvogt.com/shopping/bits/1133AG-19.html

Hope that helps some

I have a question for Al, what bit do you prefer as a good transition bit in between the snaffle & curb? My 4 yo goes pretty soft now in the snaffle, so I think its time for her to move up. I’m thinking something like this? http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?PGGUID=2e87c046-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5

At least he’s learning which direction to go to release the pressure. I’d rather have that for now then him pull against it.

Horses get reputations from a lot of different folks. Gotta get that outta your mind and judge for yourself what you got to work with.

Maybe you’re right about “hard riders.” Leo really hasn’t shown me any real anger yet. He’s a pretty relaxed little fella these days–except for that first day back when he was so ornery. Maybe I’m letting his reputation scare me more than I should.

Hey, I was talking to the lady who runs the boarding facility where I ride. She says that Leo pinning his nose to his chest is him “getting behind the bit,” and that it’s caused from consistent pressure. So, I have to be sure to remember: pressure, release, pressure, release and maybe he’ll stop doing that.

Go slow, be safe. Review your Les Vogt materials, there is good info there. Do some research on the web or wherever, there’s folks out there light years smarter than me. Most of all use your head. I’m confident you can read your horse and his reactions. Ride him like it’s a colt’s first ride. Feel his tensions, watch his responses.

I don’t believe in “hard mouth”. What’s that mean? Do they develop a callous? I believe in “hard riders”. I see it all the time and is why I never really wanted to be a professional trainer. It’s not the horses-it’s the people. I’ve seen horses change in minutes when riders switched. I’ve ridden “problem” horses that I couldn’t get to show me the “problem” they have.

You don’t need me to wish you luck MJ. Luck ain’t nothing but opportunity mixed with hard work. Leo is your opportunity. And anybody lopin horses in the dark in the winter got the other magic ingredient figured out already.