Do bit guards stop a bit from sliding through the mouth?

[Unbridled]

The question is in the title. I want to teach Chance the one-rein stop to help soften him to the bit and give him some brakes (he's great at everything else, very light, just no brakes!)

Right now, he is in a D-ring snaffle. The problem is, when I try to do the one-rein stop, the bit will slide in the direction I am flexing his neck in. Mind you, the bit fits perfectly and I am not yanking on it. I am willing to buy a full cheek snaffle if I need to, but seeing as I am very poor at the moment, I would prefer to find another solution!

 

[Unbridled]

Bumpety bump bump

 

[jenren!!]

M has bit guards in. They do help to stop a bit from sliding. I would try them, always worth a try i say .

 

[Shadowlark]

I have on more then one occasion pulled the bit guard right thru.

A leather curb/slobber strap would be a much safer but still cheap option.

 

[Alfies-slave]

It might be worth checking the fit of the bit and how it suits your horses mouth conformation. Is the bit too low in the mouth, is the bit too big? Why is the horse not carrying the bit well?

They are nice and cheap and will certainly help stop the bit slipping. Bear in mind that you will loose aabout 1/4 of an inch off the size of the bit.

Before patching up the problem ts best to look at the whole picture.

 

[poohsmate]

when i used a loose ring snaffle i used them to stop his lips being pinched by the bit ring.

 

[Ms Kitty]

They help, but they won't stop it completely if pulled really hard. Worth testing though..

Nina x

 

[Shadowlark]

Before patching up the problem ts best to look at the whole picture.

Alfie, you are quite right - but i am assuming this bit is on an openfaced western bridle.. in which case run thru's are very common and easy to perform

 

[Unbridled]

It is on an Western bridle (hence, no noseband) because the only bridles I have are Western, since Sugar and I went bitless before we went English. I'm planning to take Chance bitless, too, but it's going to have to come in stages. However, I really don't want to spend the money on an English bridle if I'm only going to use it a few weeks or months.

The bit fits perfectly, sits well in his mouth, and he likes it. If bit guards make bits smaller, then I'd do just as well to buy a full cheek snaffle, as a bit guard would make the D-ring too small.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[mogadoga]

No. Not if you pull too much or the bit doesnt fit. x

 

[Unbridled]

No. Not if you pull too much or the bit doesnt fit. x

I don't pull on my horse, and I am very capable of fitting a bit to his mouth. Thanks for the insinuation otherwise.

 

[Unbridled]

I have on more then one occasion pulled the bit guard right thru.

A leather curb/slobber strap would be a much safer but still cheap option.

Just noticed your post, Shadowlark. I think I actually have a leather curb lying around somewhere. Will definitely give it a try, thanks.