simplytaylor16 - 2021-10-13 6:57 AM

My new horse isn't seasoned yet so I am not 100% sure, but she seems like she has a big motor and will be more of a free running type. She knows the pattern very well at this point, she just needs miles. I am using a dogbone junior cowhorse right now and she is doing fine but we are not running full speed ahead yet. If I am correct and she ends up being a free runner when she's fully seasoned, wondering what bits would be a good option to step up to if needed later on? Do some free runners do okay in just a junior cowhorse? 

r_beau - 2021-10-13 10:08 AM

Are you having a problem currently?

Or is she going fine?

If you are not having any problems, then do not change her bit.   (If it isn't broken, don't fix it.)

Remember that your TRAINING comes first. The bit is just the tool. In my mind, you should be able to run your horse (free runner or push style) in ANY bit because they should listen to your body language and your cues. Yes, care will be given to find the bit that the horse likes the best and responds to the best, but you are not going to rely on your bit during the run.