> Does he have a sidepull or bit in his mouth? Do you know if he was > ridden with the sidepull then? I've only had it on him a few minutes > at home. I do recall riding him in the ring next to the barn with the > sidepull and we switched him to a bit for better steering
Karen had Teev in a sidepull or a bit but when I got him home he purely HATED a bit. maybe something to do with my hands?? I was scared to ride him in a sidepull, afraid he would disregard me completely and do whatever he wanted. But i found he is perfectly responsive in a sidepull. I relaxed, he relaxed. Now recently I tried him in Fox's bridle and he loved it and I rode him in a bit and he was great! Key being, I was relaxed, he was relaxed, mild D ring snaffle with a barrel. I may ride him in a bridle now, simply because he looks awful snazzy and a bridle with bling would really suit him... but its not a big deal anymore, i can ride him in either. But when he first came to me he would not take a bit, well he would, but he hated it. Clonked and chewed at it constantly. I have been told by more than one person I am heavy handed so I try to ride with no hands at all, loose rein and leg cues. I think it took a while for him to figure out my cues and my style and then now we are fine. I think when he came to me, he was holding his breath just WAITING for me to be strict. janice -- yipie tie yie yo
