Question
Our 8 year old Connemara Pony comes through into a good, if deep contact when warmed up but chews on the bit a lot and can be resistant. She is currently in a simple jointed snaffle but was previously in a Myler comfort saddle. I would like a bit that encourages her through to a more settled and consistent contact and preferably less deep, we compete in Dressage and Showing . I was thinking of either a Starter bit (my 5year old Warmblood has been very happy in his) or a Tranz Angled Lozenge. She is fairly green for her age as she has recently come back into work after foaling. She is quite stiff through the left shoulder and resistant occasionally and chews on the bit a lot; she is slow in upward transitions but good downwards. She comes through to a deep contact but is not heavy.
What would you recommend?
Suggestion
The Verbindend with the 12mm would be a logical choice – possibly with the small rings depending on the size of her head – this should help with straightness, lift for upward transitions and contact. This design usually proves comfortable and successful with Connamaras as it generally suits their mouth conformation. It may be that you need to alternate between bits, even every two weeks. Utilising different pressure points within the mouth is often necessary to promote comfort. We would normally wait until we have had feedback from the first bit recommended before suggesting a second design, however if the Verbindend does not tick all the boxes or the novelty wears off the you could try the Tranz Angled Lozenge Eggbutt with the 14mm which has the smaller rings. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any more questions.