Ask Sharon — Equipment

Dear Sharon, On your advice, I have been using the Sweet Six Reinsman #744 bit on my three year-old. What bit would you suggest for competition? Dear Jo Anne, I am so glad to hear that you are getting along well with the Sweet Six #744 bit. Please keep in mind that you are riding a young three year-old. I caution you not to rush things and be sure your horse tells you when she is ready to move forward in her training. Remember that you can begin to introduce speed while training in your Sweet Six and german martingale.  I...

Dear Sharon, I am a beginner rider and recently attended you clinic in Hawaii as a spectator. I learned a lot and enjoyed meeting you and Donna Irvin. I am purchasing a new bit and want to know how to transition my horse, Lady, into her new bit. Thanks! Dear Dottie, It was a pleasure to have you at the clinic. Thank you for taking the time to attend. Remember that you will use both direct control “training and tuning equipment” and indirect or leverage bits during all phases of your riding. I like to say my horses are forever in the...

Dear Sharon, I need some help with bit selection. My gelding is very soft-mouthed and will over-bend very easily. I run him in your chain bit. I have tried him in the polo bit and it’s just too much bridle. What would you suggest I use to help stiffen him up? I use my outside rein a lot, but sometimes he over-bends in the turns and I loose his shoulder. Dear Chris, Over-bending can be a by-product of the bridle, but remember, it can also be caused by the overuse of the inside rein. Sometimes the horse misses his rate...

Dear Sharon, My horse is three years-old. His rollbacks and barrel work are nice. I need a bit to help round out his turns and stops. I would like your recommendation on which bit I should try. I would also like to know what type of bit you would suggest for a young horse that is just starting the training process. Dear Brook, I commend you on the nice job it sounds like you are doing. I do have to caution you to remember your horse is still very young and green. Though it sounds like you are doing a good...

Dear Sharon, I've been running my horse Smoke on barrels for the past five years. About two months ago Smoke started balking at the gate. I had someone come out and work on him, identifying that Smoke was out in his right shoulder and in his pelvic area. We thought that treating him would help him feel better. Though Smoke is not as bad at the gate after his treatment, he's still balking. Now I'm thinking it's his saddle. Do you think your Sure Fit Saddle Pad from Reinsman will help? I know you are going to say "yes," but that's...