Classical Dressage Bit Question

kathera · 12-03-2010, 10:45 PM

Ok then no new info I was missing out on!
At the moment using a full cheek but would like to try a double joint as prefer the mo nutcrack idea, maybe in a little while tho as I suspect the head bouncing is much more due to age... Greeness..... Rider..... Balance.... New horse, teeth to do, saddle fitting_ list is endless!
Thanks!

Northern Peregrine · 13-03-2010, 04:34 PM

Well, I've been to the clinic now. Actually quite enjoyed it..once I got my head around having to have my hands way up in the air at times. He actually went quite well and wasn't fazed by it. I might just be a convert after all. Not sure about the yearning though...it may come with time.

Jonty3 · 13-03-2010, 05:16 PM

Buggalugs is right! This is the reason why we place these nosebands on young horses.

CDA · 13-03-2010, 05:40 PM

WoW! what a lot of hostility!

Well, there are some important arguments why I asked people to come with correct gear: the first is so that people could get the 'most' out of the principles I would be teaching, rather than having to go home and buy new gear before getting the right feel with the horse.

ALL of the horses at the clinics had either/both of the following problems: leaning/above the bit, and chin tucked to chest behind the bit.

in the case of kks especially when used with low hands, they act almost like a chain across the horses tongue (ouch!) and will only encourage the poll to flex which is not classically correct for the basics.

The noseband must be properly fitted as per FEI rules, with at least one finger space between the noseband and the bridge of the nose. This allows the horse to make a soft swallowing action with his mouth which in turn promotes the relaxation of his jaw, poll, neck etc etc.

PM me if you have any questions.

Until you give something a go whole heartedly and with positive thought, you should maybe not comment on it in such a negative way - JMO

Northern Peregrine · 13-03-2010, 06:49 PM

Like I said, I'm muchly leaning towards being a convert. I won't be putting the hanoverian back on and will stick with my new snaffle. I'm just sorry I didn't ditch the noseband long before now. I'm also going to buy the Phillipe Karl DVDs when I get a chance. I want to find out mooooooore about all this.

Shez · 13-03-2010, 07:24 PM

I too too rode today on my daughters horse (who I dont ride often - my daughter tends to just sit on his back and point him in the direction she wants to go, more often than not in the wrong frame. She just wants to have fun on her horse). I offered my own beautiful boy to a young rider from our pony club to use for the day and if she likes him I have offered her to use him for PC etc till she finds something suitable (no specific time frame, so she may use him for some time). We both enjoyed the lesson and both horses were happy and reasonably relaxed. We were both able to take things away to work on. I too felt a bit odd with my hands way up in the air sometimes, but what Bec was trying to get across made sense and the horses reacted well to what she was teaching. I have had very few lessons in my life (but aim to have more), self taught rider on a farm, long break from riding whilst I had kids etc and returned to riding about 12 months ago. I would like to add - maybe dont knock it till you try it. Of course, that style may not be for everyone, but you take away and work with what works for you as with all lessons I guess. I didnt see any bits being taken out of horses mouths - the only thing I saw her change was to loosen up the odd nose band. I am looking forward to having more lessons with her. Thank goodness our lesson wasnt yesterday - the weather so much better today!! I am finally home and time to have a nice cold drink, something to eat and then a well earned sleep!!!

CDA · 13-03-2010, 07:25 PM

I am glad for you!

you have a beautiful horse and you are a kind and sensitive rider - you and your horse will benefit so much from this holistic approach to dressage

Another good DVD is the Klassich versus Classique which is a debate with Philippe Karl and Christoff Hess (head of German FN). You can see there very clearly how even THE MOST ordinary and UNTALENTED horse and rider can accomplish great things with correct work.

I think this is a very important factor in PK system of training and his whole philosophy - 'horses' should not 'be' for dressage, 'dressage' should 'be FOR horses

ALL horses need help, and it is very disheartening to people who have an 'ordinary' horse to be told that there horse is 'not suitable for dressage'!

Well done Northern Peregrine, you will progress well!

CDA · 13-03-2010, 07:27 PM

hey shez,

you did well too

Boo was actively 'seeking' the bit whilst you were at halt towards the end of the lesson...what a lovely picture that was, almost made me a bit emotional to see a horse happy like that and satisfied with his work.

Shez · 13-03-2010, 07:41 PM

We even got some nice pics (although my friend wasnt sure how many pics she could take with my camera, so she limited them - of course you just delete the ones you dont want with the old digital camera). I got some pics of some other riders though before the batteries went flat, so if you were there, I may have some of you too. I watched a short section of the DVD last night that you mention Bec and it was very obvious how much the young rider had accomplished from riding her horse this way. I just have to try to find a couple of hours when no-one else in my family can get hold of the remote control so that I can watch the entire DVD. See you soon. Shez

ZaZa · 13-03-2010, 10:27 PM

No CDA, not hostility at all. More a negativity created by lack of information.
I actually came away from the clinic today feeling like I learnt something but wether I'm a convert, it's too soon to say.
I'll practise what I was taught, see how well my horse responds as I develop the feel and see where it takes me.
I don't jump ship and onto a new band wagon at the first try.

I still believe that the flyer for the clinic should have mentioned both the instructors (your) name and the bitting requirements.
Sending that info out just days before the clinic was just not kosher.
Those not familiar with the PK principles and trying it for the first time can't be expected to know the requirements and reasoning behind it's use unless they're informed.
I for one would have appreciated knowing about it before I booked a place.
**Just my opinion

Northern Peregrine your boy did really well. He looked relaxed and happy.
You face looked a little devoid of blood when you first entered the arena but your colour came back when you relaxed and started to smile