How to Find the Right Bits for Ponies

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Niamh_Jones]Niamh Jones
It can often be hard to find the right bits for ponies. It is hard for two reasons and these are that not only does the bit have to fit and be comfortable for the pony to wear but you have to consider how their young jockeys ride too.
If you have young children and are in the process of teaching them to ride, you will know that it is hard for them to understand how to ride 'properly' - that is to use their weight, seat and legs to control their ponies.
You will also know how young riders do have a tendency to pull on their pony's mouths, use their reins to help them keep their balance whilst they are riding or how they can pull too hard on one rein which causes the bit to slip straight through their pony's mouths. This can be a result of tension and nervousness on the part of the children as much as inexperience.
Unfortunately, the results can sometimes be disastrous for both the young riders and their mounts. It is a scenario that we have seen happen all too often and there are many ponies who take full advantage of the situation by unseating their jockeys when it does - and who can blame them when they are in discomfort or even pain?
There are some great bits for ponies on the market these days which are specifically designed to prevent this from happening, for example Neue Schule bits. The other thing to remember is that many young riders do tend to have heavy hands, so when choosing a bit for a pony, you must bear this in mind.
Of course you need to know that the rider will be able to stop the pony too, so finding a bit for ponies which is soft on the mouth yet gives enough control to the young rider is of paramount importance.
The most important thing about finding the right bits for ponies is to make sure that they actually fit them. The most common problem with bits for ponies is that often they are either too big or too small. The size and shape of the bit required will also depend a lot on their breeding and hence shape of their head and mouth. For example, a Shetland pony will have a very differently shaped mouth to, say, an Arab or fine Welsh Section B.
Keep in mind all these factors as well as the use of the pony (for example, some bits are not allowed in certain showing and dressage classes) and you will be well on the way to finding the right bit for your pony.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Find-the-Right-Bits-for-Ponies&id=6526360] How to Find the Right Bits for Ponies