[drivingpairs] Re: drivingpairs Digest V5 #141

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Hi Heidi,

As far as bits for pairs, the trend has been towards picking whatever the 
animals work best in. . . . . so for starters bits do not need to match. 
There is no specified bit for a wagonette. . .such as a Buxton for a gig 
etc.  Various forms of Liverpools are popular because of the different rein 
setting options you can use to help create that eveness of work ethic. I 
would steer away from anything without fixed cheeks, as the pull from the 
coupling rein can pinch on the inside of the horse's mouths.

Dana in rainy SE PA


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "FreeLists Mailing List Manager" <ecartis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "drivingpairs digest users" <ecartis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2006 2:02 AM
Subject: drivingpairs Digest V5 #141


> drivingpairs Digest Wed, 21 Jun 2006 Volume: 05  Issue: 141
>
> In This Issue:
> [drivingpairs] pair bits
> [drivingpairs] pair bits
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> From: "Heidi" <hhfheidi@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [drivingpairs] pair bits
> Date: Wed, 21 Jun 2006 09:19:29 -0400
>
> Hello to all,
>
> I have a question wrt pairs bits. Currently, I am working on a father/son
> pair. Dad has been driving several years now and goes very nicely in a
> Mullen mouth Glory bit with swivel cheeks. Son is still in training as a
> single (not hooked yet), but also seems happy ground driving in the glory.
>
> These animals are 14.2 registered sport ponies, pinto in color. They will 
> be
> initially put to a Jeff Day marathon vehicle and eventually to a
> Bird-in-Hand wagonette. I have no experience with pairs yet but plan on
> taking lessons prior to hooking and driving these two. I need to learn how
> to hook, handle the reins, etc. The wagonette has the yoke pole and I plan
> on having a fixed pole made for the Jeff Day, as currently it is rigged 
> for
> single only.
>
> Here is my immediate question:
> Is there a "correct" bit for this pony/vehicle combination, and if
> so what are my choices? I have lots of experience with riding bits but 
> less
> so with driving bits. I've watched a few CD's and read a few books that
> discuss pairs requiring fixed cheek bits with the bar under them so the
> reins don't become entangled between the two animals.
>
> Advice/guidance anyone?
>
> Thanks,
> Heidi
> www.hunterhavenfarm.com
>
>
>
>
> "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger"
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> From: "Helen G. Roeder" <sunshinefarm@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [drivingpairs] pair bits
> Date: Wed, 21 Jun 2006 09:00:44 -0500
>
> Heidi,
> Bits, like shoes, should be chosen for each horse individually, IMHO.   I 
> have a mare who hates a bit that isn't fixed, even when ridden.  I also 
> have two others who go in broken bits very nicely, single or in pairs. 
> They also go very nicely in fixed bits...with or without shanks.
>
> Some time ago, I took a class where the trainer told me to use one type of 
> bit.   I went out and bought new bits.  Then a couple of years later, I 
> went to a clinic in which the trainer told me I didn't need the those 
> bits, and wanted me to use different bits.
>
> Deciding which bit to use, is best done after observing the horse(s). 
> Two important variables in choosing the bit, should be the job the horse 
> is going to be doing and the expertise level of the horse and the driver.
>
> What I've learned about driving a pair is nothing is written in stone and 
> nothing remains the same.  I'd suggest you wait to buy new bits until your 
> trainer drives them and suggests which bits to use.  Your horses might 
> very well be doing quite nicely with the bits you are using now.
>
> Good luck and happy pair driving.  Please keep us posted in your progress.
>
> Helen
> www.drivingpairs.com
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of drivingpairs Digest V5 #141
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