At the fair, a guy was sitting on his horse by the arena fence watching the horses warming up in the arena. He was in a hackamore. Every time the horse would stamp his feet because of flies or shift his weight, the rider would yank on his mouth as a "punishment". As a result, the horse reared, tried to gap his mouth, etc. I watched it happen, and I thought "okay let's see if it happens again." And it happened again. And again. And again. So, of course as someone who cares about horses and doesn't want anyone in pain, I went over and gave the guy shit. I said "why are you yanking on his face? He's stamping the flies away and you're causing him pain for no reason!" I went on and on about how it didn't matter the hackamore had fleece on it, what mattered was the force behind it and the pain he was causing the horse. After that, I left him and continued on with my day. I saw him later on and what an improvement. The horse's head was a lot lower and calm, he could stamp the flies away and shift his weight without having his face yanked on. Seeing the results made me feel like I made such a difference.
^^^^ I can think of a million people who scream at the camera! She's so mature and I could honestly watch a million of these kind of videos if it was her explaining it!
Honestly, anything can be abusive if not used correctly. A girth that's too tight, a saddle placed badly (have seen many horses with really nasty back problems because of that), tack that doesn't fit, etc. Bits, whips and spurs are not the only ones
This is an analogy that not everyone will understand, but I've always thought that bits are like mouthpieces for trumpet and trombone players. Different mouthpieces will be advertised as having a warm sound or a brighter sound or maybe they'll help you play higher, but at the end of the day every mouthpiece is going to sound different on every person, and its all about finding the one that works the best for you (for me, thats a schilke 43a). But also, if there's a beginner who doesn't know how to play brass instruments and doesn't use their air properly (drawing a parallel between air and hands here if that wasn't apparent), its going to sound bad no matter what mouthpiece (or bit) you use. I know that was long and won't make sense to a lot of people, but it's just something I've realized recently.
I saw something on Facebook about a trainer who asked her students to explain what each piece of their tack did/the overall purpose/how it aids them and, if they couldn't, were then asked to take if off or give it over. I thought that was pretty interesting. Too many people ride with things just for the aesthetic.
I found your channel though Carter Sullivan. I saw she liked it and now time to stay up way to late to watch them all. I love how you said your option so calmly!! And your Beautiful!
I do so agree with what you said, HOWEVER, I believe too many people use bits and whips and spurs etc when they do not need it at all. it should be kept at a minimum
I completely agree with everything you said! I was leasing my horse with someone else before we purchased him, and she was using her bridal and noseband (which was a figure 8/flash) so i didn't really have a choice on what to ride him in. Apparently he needed to flash because he was "too strong", and whatnot, but after we purchased him I decided to try him in a regular noseband because I knew he didn't need the flash. Happy to report he loves it and rides literally the exact same, if not more relaxed.
Love this video, one of the best pieces of advice I ever heard was to start your horse 'as naked as possible!' i.e simple snaffle, cavesson noseband, saddle, anything that then needs adjusting can be done later. I have ridden in a tonne of different tack over the years on different horses - including flashes, spurs, a million different bits, martingales (only running, I do have an issue with standing), etc. etc. BUT like you said I did my research, was advised by coaches/incredibly knowledgeable friends and tried things out, not everything works, but you adjust to your horses needs and what you want to achieve. Anyway, awesome video, very open, educated and knowledgeable.
It’s so interesting to watch this video after so much time and change. You foundational opinions and feelings are still the same, you’ve just refined and educated yourself and your methods so much! I love how you’ve always held the horse’s best interest at heart.
My mare was in a single jointed sweet iron egg-butt snaffle and i went through like 4 bits before we found her zen lol i went from a single jointed snaffle, to a single jointed kimberwicke, to a double jointed loose ring with a bent mouth piece, until i discovered she's happy in just a simple double jointed loose ring snaffle with a wider mouth piece. People i think forget to listen to their horse sometimes and it's honestly kinda sad to see sometimes
I 100% agree with you. I research all my tack before buying it so I know what it does to my horse and if I even need it! I love how mature you were about you opinion and other people opinion unlike half the other people on TH-cam!! Love the video!
I learned so much watching this!! Though I'm a half a year late 😂, I ride this horse who's mouth is always open but then when u said something about where ur hand is I realized when I post I am pulling up when I'm up! I corrected that this ride and he was absolutely perfect!
I just wanted to say that you totally opened my mind about flashes and I never knew about anything like what you said and it totally opened my mind and I defiantly agree. You urged me to do some research and I learned a lot! Thank you!
I love my miklem and my ponies do too. I had the total different effect to you. Both of my ponies used to throw their heads in a normal bridal and they were very tense so I tried the miklem on both of them and they were a lot calmer. But all horses are different and need and like different things 😀
I absolutely love the way you give your opinions, and agree with most! I am a big advocate of bitless riding, as I believe the same as you, the less equipment the better the training and the relationship, but still agree that if a horse has been ridden in a harsh bit all its life it may not be possible for it to change unless you are incredibly stubborn and willing to get chucked off a few times haha. I also dislike 5 point breastplates for their restriction, but I do think that the figure 8/mexican/grackle is an awful choice of bridle as it presses on every single facial nerve of the horse - and they've just allowed it in dressage over here in the UK! But the equestrian world is a complicated one, and one that I think unfortunately will always be divided between those who want results now, and those who are willing to work through a training problem with their horse, with it's comfort at the forefront. Love your channel Jill, keep doing what you're doing! :) xxx
I agree 100% with you, I love how calm you are about stating your opinion, with my old horse I used to have to kick and squeeze but the second I get a whip = perfect pony.
My moms horse is a dressage horse and she loves to play with her mouth and flop her lips around she does it when your on and off of her so she is ridden in a flash but I completely agree with your opinion about flashes
Everyone should watch this video! We need more people thinking for themselves instead of just following fashion and fads. Love your channel, loved the video :D
Totally agree with you! It's nice to have someone who says their opinion calmly and not so in your face trying to convince you they're right. Love the glasses btw x thanks for the amazing videos ❤
Wow, I am impressed. My mom worked with horses for 20 years before focusing on raising my brothers and I. Now she is returning to the horse world, and I have the privilege to accompany her and learn from her. She knows so much about this subject, and has taught me so so much already. Everything you have said either reiterates or correlates (I learned a few things from this video) with everything she has said, cementing my belief that both of you are firmly on the right track. Keep up the good work!
I completely agree with everything you said in this video! I also really appreciate how you brought in anther persons opinion that supported your own, so that it is not just your opinion standing alone, but facts that make your opinion even stronger than it already is!
I look forward to your videos so so much! I saw that you uploaded this earlier today and I was honestly looking forward to watching this all day long hahah I love how you present your opinions, youre so calm and clear about them.
Couldn't agree more!! I appreciate the maturity and thorough explanation in this video so much! I also never realized that 5-points hinder shoulder movement, it totally makes sense though. I use a similar elasticated breastplate as you when I jump and my mare has no issues with it whatsoever. I wish more people realized less is more when it comes to tack and "gadgets". Thank you for this video, and I hope it opened some eyes!
Great vid, very well said !! I never mount without spurs and crop but only as an aid on a lazy or older mount that has seen all previous tricks. When used lightly for direction, they are both very useful tools..
Really like this video ! Finally someone who is honest ! I started riding my OTSB in a Micklem a year ago i think and her response is amazing in that Bridle ! I honestly never would have thought it would work that well for her and actually make a such a difference. My mums horse also responded really well to it, but a friends horse just did not like that Bridle ! That just proves your point again, different Horses, different Backgrounds, different needs !
It's so refreshing to hear someone who isn't expressing their opinions by alienating others who don't agree. I can't contradict any of your opinions as I agree with you completely on this subject although I do like how the micklem is engineered to avoid a lot of the facial nerves. Thank you for an engaging video ☺️
love this jill! all the controversy that makes people feel bad for riding in a bit is just unsettling. thanks for your opinion and this lovely video! 💗
I love this video so much. I personally believe that less equipment and metal is better. I ride my horses in a rope halter and that is what they are the happiest in, but you explained your opinion very respectfully, and its clear that your intentions with using bits is for the best with your horse. Well done 😄
I totally agree with almost all your opinions, also the flash one. I myself also never ride with flash, except if we’re going on a hack, as my horse is totally crazy on certain parts of our forest, it just helps me keep him with me instead of him running of with me, the flash is never tight when I ride with one ( only on hacks). So yeah, much love from your biggest fan❤️❤️❤️
I really love her, she doesn’t just spew opinions. She takes time to explain herself and her opinions! As an opinionated individual shocked to say I can’t get enough of her views on things
love it! I agree with your opinion and I love the way you say it, perfectly not forced or instilling, just plainly your opinion and I really applaude you for it! xx
I have found that putting a flash on because you want to clamp the horse's mouth shut just diverts the tension (which most of the time is what the opening of the mouth is - tension) to another part of the horse and to be honest I think they're completely unecessary - only used by people needing a "quick fix"! Great video! Ex-racehorse love from the UK :) x
I 100% agree with your opinion on all of the tack that you mentioned. I've watched a couple of your video's and I already really enjoy your channel, I subscribed. :) xoxo
Love this video you present your opinion in such a calm way . Total respect for that as u said it’s whatever suits the horse 🐎 I am shorterm training my horse to have a soft mouth with a waterfed bit because he learns and pulls a lot but ideally before summer we want a dressage bit in for our competitions I cross country and jump him in the waterfed long term as he is strong and on rare occasions when competing if he gets really strong we put a waterfed gag on for cross country for both our safety’s for all disciplines we use a very loose flash not to shut his mouth but because he locks his jaw sometimes But non of that’s for me it’s for training him and suiting him
ILY JILL!! I totally agree with almost everything you talked about. My pon is a lil bit of a weirdo. He's a teenager with high withers and a hard-to-fit back. I use an ogilvy to keep the saddle pressure consistent throughout his whole back (my saddle does fit, but using this particular pad just makes him way more comfortable) I also use a micklem bridle for show jumping/xc and he is really relaxed and giving in it. of course it all depends on the horse, I've just had great experience with some of the things!! :)
Absolutely no hate here. I love how calmly and respectfully you expressed your opinions and reasoning! I think you really know what you're talking about and I'm really impressed. You're amazing. And you have a new subscriber 😊❤❤
Completely agree with everything. I use a leather y breastplate because I don't jump I ride western and the saddle isn't custom for him (his withers are really pronounced) and he doesn't really respond to leg pressure so it's just like you said : a little bump with a spur or nonsense kicking. Love this! 😍
you’re absolutely right. when i was younger, i added a 5 point breastplate to my tack without any research or anything. just because everyone else had one, and i liked the was they looked. i later did my research and switched over to a 3 way.
I actually read somewhere that a flash was originally used by foxhunters because if a horse fell face first with it's mouth open they would snap their lower jaw back (not sure how to explain it properly) so they used a flash to hold their mouth shut so they would just hit their nose and cause less damage. then people started using them incorrectly to hold their mouths shut like you explained. Not 100% if that is true but thought it made sense. I also don't use flashes I think they are unnecessary (basically for the exact same reason as you) and I think they look ugly as well.
LJEquestrian no actually. A flashbridle wash invented to keep a horse mouth shut because the horse would keep on opening there mouths. It if there to stop the horse from opening there mouths and to stop the horse from moving the horse's tounge over the bit.
LJEquestrian a flash is the bastard child of a regular cavesson and a drop noseband. (I use bastard in the sense of hybrid, not damned). The drop is used on a young horse whose teeth are coming in, a horse who crosses his jaw, or a horse who tries to open his mouth to evade the bit. The flash hybridized this with the cavesson, allowing a standing martingale to be used. Standing martingales can punish head tossing, therefore punishing evading the bit.
Someone finally said what I've been saying!!! Thank you 😂 your tack is only as harsh as it's rider, bits aren't inherently evil and hackamores aren't for every horse. Gadgets don't train and never will, if anything will probably cause more grief than their worth. Also props for being like so calm and mature it's nice and I actually stuck thru the whole video 👍🏻
this is such an old video but i'm gonna comment anyway ahhh,, i honestly respect your opinions so much, you're always so informed. i agree with the less tack the better. when i got my mare she was in a flash and and we used a martingale, we've since trained out of using those pieces of tack and she goes around like the hunter princess that she is - also i love that flashes are illegal in hunters
I found your channel through your instagram. I'm totally in love. You constructed your opinions very diplomatically and tactfully. I appreciate this, because when I refer to my opinion I can mention you as a source. You're objective and give excellent explanations. However I would like you to expand on your opinion of the Micklem Bridle. I've been trying to do research but I cannot seem to find like sciences behind it.
Thank you! the micklem is marketed to "avoid pressure points for a more comfortable ride" yet i rode three very different horses in a micklem and they all got tense and either tossed their heads rollkured or braced. So during the same ride (on each) i switched to a regular cavesson and voilà relaxation
It's the least I could do. You make great content. I just binge watched all of your videos. I hate to pick your brain but do you know the first reactions your horses had to using a regular bridle?
im not sure what you mean could you message me on instagram? (sometimes i dont see these comments) jeteventing is my account! just dm me id be happy to talk!
Omg I love your videos! 😊 I found you through another equestrian's videos and I loooovve your personality and videos! 😌 I have my own channel too, and people like you truly motivate me to just go for it when I feel too shy or embarrassed about a video or putting myself out there. 💕 You're awesome! & So natural in front of a camera! & Also, I agree with your opinions on bits and whips.
I'm personally ok with bits and whips... As long as you use them correctly! My personal favorite kind of bit is a double broken rubber snaffle bc it is very easy on the horse 😊
My gelding was first started in a three-ring French link for jumping and dressage as he would not listen to any aids once he saw a fence, but we have now worked him down into a d-ring snaffle through a couple of years
I love how you presented this (and I learned some stuff about breastcollars! I don’t use them when I ride English). I would like to add (from personal experience) that even if started in a snaffle, sometimes a horse doesn’t like it. I had a horse at one of my old barns who really really liked a gag bit- and it was the very last thing we tried on him.
I totally agree with you on whips. I always carry one but never really use it, it gives you some confidence. I ride at a equestrian centre so I always see people using whips incorrectly like immediately using the whip instead of their leg because they 'know that the horse wont go forward otherwise' and it's stupid! Sometimes I wish that the instructor would tell them off but they never do.
I agree with the nose bands I rode my horse in a regular nose band for awhile then he started to put his tongue over the bit and throw his head in the air and avoid the contact. I started riding with a figure 8 (not tight fitting at all) and he likes that a lot more. I always carry a crop on cross country because you never know when ur going to need it. I rode a horse that was so sensitive that if i thought about stopping she would stop. but I always carried a crop on xc just in case. I use spurs but mainly for lateral movements not for speed Ive tried a polo breast collar and i liked it a lot and so did my horse then i tried a y breast plate and he liked that too so my horse really doesnt care. Ive never needed to buy a 5 point breastplate. this is my favorite video of yours
I totally agree with everything u said. Also i loved how u dont judge others because u dont know where the horse came from. I currently have to use a 5 point because of my horses biuld i have a group of highly trained vets trainier saddle fitters and ciropractors whi all agree it would be better for my horse to use a 5 point however we are considering dropping to a 4 point. Thank you for ur opinions they were eye opening
Brilliant video, I've never placed that much thought into breastplates, since watching this video I've swapped to a slip free saddlepad instead. A quick note on flash nosebands: no they were not permitted in dressage until relatively recent times, and they were never developed to keep the mouth shut, they were developed to keep the bit still. Given the horses jaw hinges at the cheek, ANY noseband can be over tightened to keep the mouth shut, in fact my coach will not allow nosebands of any kind in her dressage lessons as they obscure the action of the riders hands. A flash noseband is also fitted over the soft portion of the horses airway above the nostrils, meaning if it is over tightened in an attempt to shut the mouth it will restrict the horses breathing. The number one fault found in dressage gear check today is over tightening of a cavesson noseband or crank noseband, riders do it to shut the mouth, all they achieve is fluid build up and poor training.
I couldn't agree more! thank you for that insight! but I've never heard a flash used to keep a bit straight. I used to ride in one before I actually thought about why and I definitely got in trouble in my lessons for pulling too much on one rein because the bit was uneven, but aside that I agree with everything else to a T
I agree with everything but just gonna say with the 2 horses I ride they both have the micklem bridle and it suit them so I guess it’s fine not saying “oh go use it it’s amazing” just saying what I use. Love ur channel and the beans xx
Just watching this one video made me subscribe to ur channel ur so professional but I mad when u said about the flash and how u put it but then I realised I need to put my hands in a better place and use more contact but u explained a lot to me thank u ❤️️🐴
I was nervous to click on this, but I agree with you 110%. I'm so glad that you talked about it as basically "it depends." People CAN and DO abuse horses with all of these tools, but most things can be ethical when used by skilled and compassionate riders. I also agreed with you on flash nose bands - they suck. I They're a lot like draw reins - a crutch that allows you to feel like a better rider than you are.
Thank you for your opinion! I personally love 5 point breastplates because they fit my stocky boy well and they really help over fences. I have an elastic HDR one i really really like. I wasn't able to get him over higher fences without spurs so i did my research and got a set and holy moly he does so much backwards. I ride in both a french link snaffle and a scawbrig hackamore after a lot of research on different types of hacks before i used one. I like how truly educated you are on everything you say. This was a great video!!!!
I completely agree with your view on flashes, when I first got my mare she had one and shook her head ferociously whenever I tried to do it up, but also leant horrendously in a normal caveson and I had no brakes, even in a Pelham which is the bit I have found her to like the best over snaffles, gags etc (I've tried quite a few, she can be quite hot and doesn't do slow and balanced very well). I had an entirely different experience with the Micklem though, she loves it. No head shaking when doing it up, she relaxes into it, listens to me a lot better and is all round happier in it. It's made such a difference that when she coms back into work from injury, I'm going to try her in a snaffle again so that we can hopefully do some dressage. Funny how different they all are and how they all like different things.
On a side note, on another pony I am riding who also wears a micklem it cured his chronic head shaking problem. He still shakes but no where near as badly or as much as he did in a cavesson, and only when you check him going into a jump not at all on the flat any more.
Can you suggest some more reputable sources/books/articles etc? I'm keen to research everything further so I actually understand why things are used. Love your channel and the way you do your horses!
I totally agree with you!! I just ride my horse with a flash because she was trained that way and if she does not she is really heavy in the mouth... I ride with it VERY LOOSE though, because she just works better with the flash... no hate please! She’s the only horse I ride with a flash, my other horses are perfectly fine without one, it’s just my horse’s preference. Plz no hate I live your channel!!!❤️❤️❤️
In the lessons and classes I teach alongside my mother, we use crops very rarely, and only of the horse isnt going off of the leg cues because we ride bareback and your leagues wear out quickly. A simple tap, or even a light smack on the booty is NOT going to hurt your cutie pony, but simply reaffirms your leg cues. As long as you do not hit your horse, or use it as a tool of annoyment or pain, there is no problem with them. Honestly it's like if I reached back and patted my horses butt with my hand to say "alright, come on", without having to lose the focus
Absolutely love this video share pretty much the same views with everything, ESPECIALLY THE FLASH! While at a clinic last week a horse ridden in a flash began coughing the horse ended up dropped to its knees - trainer rushed over to undo the flash when a large amount of grass and saliva came out. Thankfully the rider vowed never to use one again after such a shock. Whips, spurs and bits are fantastic if needed and if used correctly. In the UK everyone seems to be using gags at the minute (horses previously in single/double joint snaffles) yet another fad. 5 point breastplates I've had the same problems as you've had. My Ottb raced over fences here in the uk for 9 years and his saddle slipped a lot! he was then retrained with a 5 point breastplate, in response to wearing it he shortened his stride to a very choppy step etc. When I bought him and had his saddle fitted to him he no longer needed it, his stride is long again and he rides far more comfortably, he is also in a racing (polo) BreastPlate for larger jumps or XC. The only Fad that has really worked for my horse is the micklem, he suffered with very poorly maintained teeth during racing (9 year career) so the micklem does seem to help put him at ease. Although his teeth are sorted every 6 months he seems to remember the pain he suffered previous to being in my ownership, however I do like to try him in his standard bridle regularly to see if he settles (hacking and jumping he's fine in it-Dressage however he has time to focus on his bridle and he starts to panic) all of my other horses are in standard bridles with snaffle bits - he's just a little quirky (love him for it mind) This video really is prefect and you kept your cool too. Fantastic!!x
thats an awesome success story and I'm glad you've had good luck with the micklem! ill make a note of that for sure! but absolutely exactly couldn't agree more about the rest of it!
I could not agree more people need to understand what they are using on their horses. My old horse would open and close his mouth because he was never trained to accept bit pressure so I used a double jointed roller egg butt so he could play with the roller instead of opening his mouth and it was very helpful but he would still do it just not as much so I put a flash very loosely on him like he could still open his mouth quite wide if he wanted to and just feeling that loosely around his mouth made him progressively not open it and after awhile I was able to take it off and he did not resist the bit anymore he just played with the roller that's why I'm kind of on the fence about flashes it worked so well for my horse but the idea of forcing your horses mouth shut I don't like.
I love this account! And I agree with you in all of these The only thing I do use is the flash, but it's not because I want him to keep his mouth closed. When I got my gelding he had been trained with a flash his entire life, and he just wouldn't respond well without it, would put his tongue over the bit, and wpuld be overall confused. What I do now is I just put it on very loosely, so that he feels it there but it's not really forcing his mouth closed
I personally always carry a whip, but I use it for protection. In the backcountry you never know what you're going to run into so I like to have something.
What is you opinion on figure 8 bridles? Also, what brand of boots and elastic breast plate do you use on Zoe? I absolutely love your channel and agree with all of your options!
(on the bit topic) I feel very lucky for the fact that i can know ride my pony in a happy mouth snaffle for flatwork, and happy mouth hanging snaffle for jumping. She actually was ridden in a pelham for a while by her old owners and i felt really bad for her :(
I really like your approach, I personally rather use a whip than spurs (but in a similar way, just as a little wake up call), because I'm not sure my leg is steady enough to use spurs. The horse I ride understands that a whip is an aid and not a source of danger. She's a Gypsy Vanner, not an OTTB tho, so she's generally very chill about everything. :p
I agree with what you said about flashes, however my horses old trainer always used a flash with her, and without it she sticks her tongue out, so there isn't much I can do. She sticks her tongue out (not over the bit) because of discomfort, and with the flash she is softer and doesn't stick it out nearly as much (she still can, but she's more comfortable with it)
My horse started out his life as a hunter, he was a hunter up until the age of 12 so he became used to galloping flat out in fields. Due to that I now have to work really hard to try and relax him on ride outs. He used to be in a three ring gag for all ride outs, cross country events etc. We are now working towards having a flexi mullen mouth eggbut bit at all times and so far so good. He also has a habit of throwing his head very high in the air when he gets excited, so far to the point of him actually hitting me in the face with his head/neck which means a martingale is necessary for the safety of both of us. Also, I have tried him in many different nosebands and the only thing that works to keep control and keep us both working happily and in harmony is a grackle. I currently use a five point breast plate but I'm desperately trying to change it because I hate it ( but I'm broke.. equestrian life.. ) I completely agree with you on everything Jill! Thank you for this video!
Awesome video. I ride my horse in a Myler eggbutt because I have tried variuos bits & he does great in this one. He hates flashes and figure 8s. I ride in breat collar-he doesn't like them either. In a nutshell, my gelding is basic and you push it with him, you are eating dirt.
You should do an equestrian dares video?!😝😝 or basically any other video, I'm obsessed with your channel😂
aw thank you!
I love both of your channels! You both are so cute and great!!
Claire Eventing u should do riding dares with herr
Claire Eventing JETeventing please please please do riding dares together xxx love both your channels by the way xx
lol me to she is such a great videos😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃
At the fair, a guy was sitting on his horse by the arena fence watching the horses warming up in the arena. He was in a hackamore. Every time the horse would stamp his feet because of flies or shift his weight, the rider would yank on his mouth as a "punishment". As a result, the horse reared, tried to gap his mouth, etc. I watched it happen, and I thought "okay let's see if it happens again." And it happened again. And again. And again. So, of course as someone who cares about horses and doesn't want anyone in pain, I went over and gave the guy shit. I said "why are you yanking on his face? He's stamping the flies away and you're causing him pain for no reason!" I went on and on about how it didn't matter the hackamore had fleece on it, what mattered was the force behind it and the pain he was causing the horse. After that, I left him and continued on with my day. I saw him later on and what an improvement. The horse's head was a lot lower and calm, he could stamp the flies away and shift his weight without having his face yanked on. Seeing the results made me feel like I made such a difference.
Boy_Blue_Jumper Exactly. Needless to say, I've seen the horse with the same rider at other shows and he's treating the horse really well now.
The hackamore is not abuse it’s the hands, it’s the way you use them
I love how you presented your opinion so calmly. I 100% agree with everything you said!! Love this video xx
^^^^ I can think of a million people who scream at the camera! She's so mature and I could honestly watch a million of these kind of videos if it was her explaining it!
JumpingBays thank you guys!
I totally agree 🐴
Honestly, anything can be abusive if not used correctly. A girth that's too tight, a saddle placed badly (have seen many horses with really nasty back problems because of that), tack that doesn't fit, etc. Bits, whips and spurs are not the only ones
This is an analogy that not everyone will understand, but I've always thought that bits are like mouthpieces for trumpet and trombone players. Different mouthpieces will be advertised as having a warm sound or a brighter sound or maybe they'll help you play higher, but at the end of the day every mouthpiece is going to sound different on every person, and its all about finding the one that works the best for you (for me, thats a schilke 43a). But also, if there's a beginner who doesn't know how to play brass instruments and doesn't use their air properly (drawing a parallel between air and hands here if that wasn't apparent), its going to sound bad no matter what mouthpiece (or bit) you use. I know that was long and won't make sense to a lot of people, but it's just something I've realized recently.
thats an awesome metaphor! will definitely consider using that in the future!
I saw something on Facebook about a trainer who asked her students to explain what each piece of their tack did/the overall purpose/how it aids them and, if they couldn't, were then asked to take if off or give it over. I thought that was pretty interesting. Too many people ride with things just for the aesthetic.
Yes i love that post!
Do you have a link to that post because that would be interesting to watch!:)
+Chloe Gordon
sidewayswitchcraft.tumblr.com/post/145847044037/horseblr-be-proud
its a tumblr post!
Yay! I actually found an equestrian that I can relate with and has reasons behind their opinions! Love your channel!!
i found this channel by accident and now I'm pretty much binging your videos XD
oh my god thank you!
Me too!
aria carrrasquillo same
Same❤️
Samme
I found your channel though Carter Sullivan. I saw she liked it and now time to stay up way to late to watch them all.
I love how you said your option so calmly!! And your Beautiful!
aw dude! Yay!💗
Same
I do so agree with what you said, HOWEVER, I believe too many people use bits and whips and spurs etc when they do not need it at all. it should be kept at a minimum
*cat jumps* "rude"
I completely agree with everything you said! I was leasing my horse with someone else before we purchased him, and she was using her bridal and noseband (which was a figure 8/flash) so i didn't really have a choice on what to ride him in. Apparently he needed to flash because he was "too strong", and whatnot, but after we purchased him I decided to try him in a regular noseband because I knew he didn't need the flash. Happy to report he loves it and rides literally the exact same, if not more relaxed.
This video has been needed for SO LONG. And you are the perfect person at explaining things in my opinion.. I agree 110%
thank you!!
Love this video, one of the best pieces of advice I ever heard was to start your horse 'as naked as possible!' i.e simple snaffle, cavesson noseband, saddle, anything that then needs adjusting can be done later. I have ridden in a tonne of different tack over the years on different horses - including flashes, spurs, a million different bits, martingales (only running, I do have an issue with standing), etc. etc. BUT like you said I did my research, was advised by coaches/incredibly knowledgeable friends and tried things out, not everything works, but you adjust to your horses needs and what you want to achieve. Anyway, awesome video, very open, educated and knowledgeable.
Megsie1410_Equestrian exactly ahh yes so nice to hear like minded philosophies!! and thank you!
It’s so interesting to watch this video after so much time and change. You foundational opinions and feelings are still the same, you’ve just refined and educated yourself and your methods so much! I love how you’ve always held the horse’s best interest at heart.
thank goodness, someone is actually educated!! just found your channel and am loving it.
My mare was in a single jointed sweet iron egg-butt snaffle and i went through like 4 bits before we found her zen lol i went from a single jointed snaffle, to a single jointed kimberwicke, to a double jointed loose ring with a bent mouth piece, until i discovered she's happy in just a simple double jointed loose ring snaffle with a wider mouth piece. People i think forget to listen to their horse sometimes and it's honestly kinda sad to see sometimes
I 100% agree with you. I research all my tack before buying it so I know what it does to my horse and if I even need it! I love how mature you were about you opinion and other people opinion unlike half the other people on TH-cam!! Love the video!
I learned so much watching this!! Though I'm a half a year late 😂, I ride this horse who's mouth is always open but then when u said something about where ur hand is I realized when I post I am pulling up when I'm up! I corrected that this ride and he was absolutely perfect!
I just wanted to say that you totally opened my mind about flashes and I never knew about anything like what you said and it totally opened my mind and I defiantly agree. You urged me to do some research and I learned a lot! Thank you!
I love my miklem and my ponies do too. I had the total different effect to you. Both of my ponies used to throw their heads in a normal bridal and they were very tense so I tried the miklem on both of them and they were a lot calmer. But all horses are different and need and like different things 😀
I absolutely love the way you give your opinions, and agree with most! I am a big advocate of bitless riding, as I believe the same as you, the less equipment the better the training and the relationship, but still agree that if a horse has been ridden in a harsh bit all its life it may not be possible for it to change unless you are incredibly stubborn and willing to get chucked off a few times haha. I also dislike 5 point breastplates for their restriction, but I do think that the figure 8/mexican/grackle is an awful choice of bridle as it presses on every single facial nerve of the horse - and they've just allowed it in dressage over here in the UK! But the equestrian world is a complicated one, and one that I think unfortunately will always be divided between those who want results now, and those who are willing to work through a training problem with their horse, with it's comfort at the forefront. Love your channel Jill, keep doing what you're doing! :) xxx
exactly ahh i cant believe figure eights are dressage legal?! that defeats the entire purpose of relaxation and suppleness in the contact! ahh but 😊
I have to ride my horse bitless, any suggestions?
You said everything so perfectly. You truly said everything that needed to be said.
I agree 100% with you, I love how calm you are about stating your opinion, with my old horse I used to have to kick and squeeze but the second I get a whip = perfect pony.
My moms horse is a dressage horse and she loves to play with her mouth and flop her lips around she does it when your on and off of her so she is ridden in a flash but I completely agree with your opinion about flashes
Everyone should watch this video! We need more people thinking for themselves instead of just following fashion and fads. Love your channel, loved the video :D
I love how you express your opinion so nicely and don't put other options down. 💜 Also I was the 911th like...... of corse.
Totally agree with you! It's nice to have someone who says their opinion calmly and not so in your face trying to convince you they're right. Love the glasses btw x thanks for the amazing videos ❤
Wow, I am impressed.
My mom worked with horses for 20 years before focusing on raising my brothers and I. Now she is returning to the horse world, and I have the privilege to accompany her and learn from her. She knows so much about this subject, and has taught me so so much already.
Everything you have said either reiterates or correlates (I learned a few things from this video) with everything she has said, cementing my belief that both of you are firmly on the right track. Keep up the good work!
I enjoy watching you videos. As an "older" equestrian, I enjoy learning something new everyday. Thank you!
I really don't have an interest in horse riding anymore, but I love your personality I watch everything anyway. You're the cutest fr dude!!
I completely agree with everything you said in this video! I also really appreciate how you brought in anther persons opinion that supported your own, so that it is not just your opinion standing alone, but facts that make your opinion even stronger than it already is!
I look forward to your videos so so much! I saw that you uploaded this earlier today and I was honestly looking forward to watching this all day long hahah
I love how you present your opinions, youre so calm and clear about them.
Aw wow dude thank you so much!!
Love how you talked about flashes- i feel the exact same way 😍❤️ but i say it a lot more angrily, lmao....
Brilliant video! I think it's fantastic that you explained your reasoning for your opinions, and how camly you projected your views!
Couldn't agree more!! I appreciate the maturity and thorough explanation in this video so much! I also never realized that 5-points hinder shoulder movement, it totally makes sense though. I use a similar elasticated breastplate as you when I jump and my mare has no issues with it whatsoever. I wish more people realized less is more when it comes to tack and "gadgets". Thank you for this video, and I hope it opened some eyes!
Great vid, very well said !! I never mount without spurs and crop but only as an aid on a lazy or older mount that has seen all previous tricks. When used lightly for direction, they are both very useful tools..
Really like this video ! Finally someone who is honest ! I started riding my OTSB in a Micklem a year ago i think and her response is amazing in that Bridle ! I honestly never would have thought it would work that well for her and actually make a such a difference. My mums horse also responded really well to it, but a friends horse just did not like that Bridle ! That just proves your point again, different Horses, different Backgrounds, different needs !
It's so refreshing to hear someone who isn't expressing their opinions by alienating others who don't agree. I can't contradict any of your opinions as I agree with you completely on this subject although I do like how the micklem is engineered to avoid a lot of the facial nerves. Thank you for an engaging video ☺️
love this jill! all the controversy that makes people feel bad for riding in a bit is just unsettling. thanks for your opinion and this lovely video! 💗
I love this video so much. I personally believe that less equipment and metal is better. I ride my horses in a rope halter and that is what they are the happiest in, but you explained your opinion very respectfully, and its clear that your intentions with using bits is for the best with your horse. Well done 😄
I totally agree with almost all your opinions, also the flash one. I myself also never ride with flash, except if we’re going on a hack, as my horse is totally crazy on certain parts of our forest, it just helps me keep him with me instead of him running of with me, the flash is never tight when I ride with one ( only on hacks). So yeah, much love from your biggest fan❤️❤️❤️
I agree with everything you've said! I think that what ever your horse goes in best is what you should use.
It’s crazyyyy how much your opinion has changed! Go Jill!
I really love her, she doesn’t just spew opinions. She takes time to explain herself and her opinions! As an opinionated individual shocked to say I can’t get enough of her views on things
love it! I agree with your opinion and I love the way you say it, perfectly not forced or instilling, just plainly your opinion and I really applaude you for it! xx
I have found that putting a flash on because you want to clamp the horse's mouth shut just diverts the tension (which most of the time is what the opening of the mouth is - tension) to another part of the horse and to be honest I think they're completely unecessary - only used by people needing a "quick fix"! Great video! Ex-racehorse love from the UK :) x
I 100% agree with your opinion on all of the tack that you mentioned. I've watched a couple of your video's and I already really enjoy your channel, I subscribed. :) xoxo
Love this video you present your opinion in such a calm way . Total respect for that as u said it’s whatever suits the horse 🐎 I am shorterm training my horse to have a soft mouth with a waterfed bit because he learns and pulls a lot but ideally before summer we want a dressage bit in for our competitions I cross country and jump him in the waterfed long term as he is strong and on rare occasions when competing if he gets really strong we put a waterfed gag on for cross country for both our safety’s for all disciplines we use a very loose flash not to shut his mouth but because he locks his jaw sometimes
But non of that’s for me it’s for training him and suiting him
ILY JILL!! I totally agree with almost everything you talked about. My pon is a lil bit of a weirdo. He's a teenager with high withers and a hard-to-fit back. I use an ogilvy to keep the saddle pressure consistent throughout his whole back (my saddle does fit, but using this particular pad just makes him way more comfortable) I also use a micklem bridle for show jumping/xc and he is really relaxed and giving in it. of course it all depends on the horse, I've just had great experience with some of the things!! :)
Absolutely no hate here. I love how calmly and respectfully you expressed your opinions and reasoning! I think you really know what you're talking about and I'm really impressed. You're amazing. And you have a new subscriber 😊❤❤
Completely agree with everything. I use a leather y breastplate because I don't jump I ride western and the saddle isn't custom for him (his withers are really pronounced) and he doesn't really respond to leg pressure so it's just like you said : a little bump with a spur or nonsense kicking. Love this! 😍
you’re absolutely right. when i was younger, i added a 5 point breastplate to my tack without any research or anything. just because everyone else had one, and i liked the was they looked. i later did my research and switched over to a 3 way.
I actually read somewhere that a flash was originally used by foxhunters because if a horse fell face first with it's mouth open they would snap their lower jaw back (not sure how to explain it properly) so they used a flash to hold their mouth shut so they would just hit their nose and cause less damage. then people started using them incorrectly to hold their mouths shut like you explained. Not 100% if that is true but thought it made sense. I also don't use flashes I think they are unnecessary (basically for the exact same reason as you) and I think they look ugly as well.
oh wow that's interesting! okay thank you fo sharing(:
LJEquestrian no actually. A flashbridle wash invented to keep a horse mouth shut because the horse would keep on opening there mouths. It if there to stop the horse from opening there mouths and to stop the horse from moving the horse's tounge over the bit.
Flashes are used to close the mouth closed so the horse doesn't chew on the bit. Or so the horse can't open their mouth & run.
LJEquestrian a flash is the bastard child of a regular cavesson and a drop noseband. (I use bastard in the sense of hybrid, not damned). The drop is used on a young horse whose teeth are coming in, a horse who crosses his jaw, or a horse who tries to open his mouth to evade the bit. The flash hybridized this with the cavesson, allowing a standing martingale to be used. Standing martingales can punish head tossing, therefore punishing evading the bit.
Flashes are also often too tight and too low, restricting breathing. That's why they are not safe for XC.
I use bumper spurs too. I use a crop and a snaffle bit. I completely agree with you.
Someone finally said what I've been saying!!! Thank you 😂 your tack is only as harsh as it's rider, bits aren't inherently evil and hackamores aren't for every horse. Gadgets don't train and never will, if anything will probably cause more grief than their worth. Also props for being like so calm and mature it's nice and I actually stuck thru the whole video 👍🏻
this is such an old video but i'm gonna comment anyway ahhh,, i honestly respect your opinions so much, you're always so informed. i agree with the less tack the better. when i got my mare she was in a flash and and we used a martingale, we've since trained out of using those pieces of tack and she goes around like the hunter princess that she is - also i love that flashes are illegal in hunters
I found your channel through your instagram. I'm totally in love. You constructed your opinions very diplomatically and tactfully. I appreciate this, because when I refer to my opinion I can mention you as a source. You're objective and give excellent explanations. However I would like you to expand on your opinion of the Micklem Bridle. I've been trying to do research but I cannot seem to find like sciences behind it.
Thank you! the micklem is marketed to "avoid pressure points for a more comfortable ride" yet i rode three very different horses in a micklem and they all got tense and either tossed their heads rollkured or braced. So during the same ride (on each) i switched to a regular cavesson and voilà relaxation
It's the least I could do. You make great content. I just binge watched all of your videos. I hate to pick your brain but do you know the first reactions your horses had to using a regular bridle?
im not sure what you mean could you message me on instagram? (sometimes i dont see these comments) jeteventing is my account! just dm me id be happy to talk!
Sure!
Is tactfully pun intended or not......
Omg I love your videos! 😊 I found you through another equestrian's videos and I loooovve your personality and videos! 😌 I have my own channel too, and people like you truly motivate me to just go for it when I feel too shy or embarrassed about a video or putting myself out there. 💕 You're awesome! & So natural in front of a camera! & Also, I agree with your opinions on bits and whips.
I absolutely 110% agree with your oppinion on everything in this video my god
I'm personally ok with bits and whips... As long as you use them correctly! My personal favorite kind of bit is a double broken rubber snaffle bc it is very easy on the horse 😊
I love this video a lot. people need to educate themselves before deciding to follow a fad. thanks for this Jill and keep it up! :)
My gelding was first started in a three-ring French link for jumping and dressage as he would not listen to any aids once he saw a fence, but we have now worked him down into a d-ring snaffle through a couple of years
I love how you presented this (and I learned some stuff about breastcollars! I don’t use them when I ride English). I would like to add (from personal experience) that even if started in a snaffle, sometimes a horse doesn’t like it. I had a horse at one of my old barns who really really liked a gag bit- and it was the very last thing we tried on him.
I totally agree with you on whips. I always carry one but never really use it, it gives you some confidence. I ride at a equestrian centre so I always see people using whips incorrectly like immediately using the whip instead of their leg because they 'know that the horse wont go forward otherwise' and it's stupid! Sometimes I wish that the instructor would tell them off but they never do.
I agree with the nose bands
I rode my horse in a regular nose band for awhile then he started to put his tongue over the bit and throw his head in the air and avoid the contact. I started riding with a figure 8 (not tight fitting at all) and he likes that a lot more.
I always carry a crop on cross country because you never know when ur going to need it. I rode a horse that was so sensitive that if i thought about stopping she would stop. but I always carried a crop on xc just in case.
I use spurs but mainly for lateral movements not for speed
Ive tried a polo breast collar and i liked it a lot and so did my horse
then i tried a y breast plate and he liked that too so my horse really doesnt care. Ive never needed to buy a 5 point breastplate.
this is my favorite video of yours
you look really good in glasses and I am actually using this video for a project and dont worry I am giving you credit in the nresources page. thx btw
I agree 100% everything on what you said in the video! I think this video will help riders in the future! Love your channel and videos too!
I really appreciate thus because even though I disagree with some things you presented it so calmly and well that we can be on a common ground.
I totally agree with everything u said. Also i loved how u dont judge others because u dont know where the horse came from. I currently have to use a 5 point because of my horses biuld i have a group of highly trained vets trainier saddle fitters and ciropractors whi all agree it would be better for my horse to use a 5 point however we are considering dropping to a 4 point. Thank you for ur opinions they were eye opening
Brilliant video, I've never placed that much thought into breastplates, since watching this video I've swapped to a slip free saddlepad instead.
A quick note on flash nosebands: no they were not permitted in dressage until relatively recent times, and they were never developed to keep the mouth shut, they were developed to keep the bit still. Given the horses jaw hinges at the cheek, ANY noseband can be over tightened to keep the mouth shut, in fact my coach will not allow nosebands of any kind in her dressage lessons as they obscure the action of the riders hands. A flash noseband is also fitted over the soft portion of the horses airway above the nostrils, meaning if it is over tightened in an attempt to shut the mouth it will restrict the horses breathing. The number one fault found in dressage gear check today is over tightening of a cavesson noseband or crank noseband, riders do it to shut the mouth, all they achieve is fluid build up and poor training.
I couldn't agree more! thank you for that insight! but I've never heard a flash used to keep a bit straight. I used to ride in one before I actually thought about why and I definitely got in trouble in my lessons for pulling too much on one rein because the bit was uneven, but aside that I agree with everything else to a T
This video is pure gold Jill!!:)
I agree with everything but just gonna say with the 2 horses I ride they both have the micklem bridle and it suit them so I guess it’s fine not saying “oh go use it it’s amazing” just saying what I use. Love ur channel and the beans xx
to each their own! thank you!
My quarter horse hates bits. And thus, bitless qhtrian was born.
This was a great common sense filled vlog. Thanks!
I agree so much with your minimalistic approach to things 😁😁
I Love it!Amazing video as always also I love your stuff you got❤❤❤xx
Love your videos!! And 100% agree with all of your opinions in this! Great insight in this 💕
Just watching this one video made me subscribe to ur channel ur so professional but I mad when u said about the flash and how u put it but then I realised I need to put my hands in a better place and use more contact but u explained a lot to me thank u ❤️️🐴
I was nervous to click on this, but I agree with you 110%. I'm so glad that you talked about it as basically "it depends." People CAN and DO abuse horses with all of these tools, but most things can be ethical when used by skilled and compassionate riders. I also agreed with you on flash nose bands - they suck. I They're a lot like draw reins - a crutch that allows you to feel like a better rider than you are.
Thank you for your opinion! I personally love 5 point breastplates because they fit my stocky boy well and they really help over fences. I have an elastic HDR one i really really like. I wasn't able to get him over higher fences without spurs so i did my research and got a set and holy moly he does so much backwards. I ride in both a french link snaffle and a scawbrig hackamore after a lot of research on different types of hacks before i used one. I like how truly educated you are on everything you say. This was a great video!!!!
I completely agree with your view on flashes, when I first got my mare she had one and shook her head ferociously whenever I tried to do it up, but also leant horrendously in a normal caveson and I had no brakes, even in a Pelham which is the bit I have found her to like the best over snaffles, gags etc (I've tried quite a few, she can be quite hot and doesn't do slow and balanced very well). I had an entirely different experience with the Micklem though, she loves it. No head shaking when doing it up, she relaxes into it, listens to me a lot better and is all round happier in it. It's made such a difference that when she coms back into work from injury, I'm going to try her in a snaffle again so that we can hopefully do some dressage. Funny how different they all are and how they all like different things.
On a side note, on another pony I am riding who also wears a micklem it cured his chronic head shaking problem. He still shakes but no where near as badly or as much as he did in a cavesson, and only when you check him going into a jump not at all on the flat any more.
Karis W extremely! im glad it worked for you guys! just in my experience it made things worse
Can you suggest some more reputable sources/books/articles etc? I'm keen to research everything further so I actually understand why things are used. Love your channel and the way you do your horses!
What a great video! I loved how calm you were throughout the video.
I %100 agree with everything you said!!
I totally agree with you!! I just ride my horse with a flash because she was trained that way and if she does not she is really heavy in the mouth... I ride with it VERY LOOSE though, because she just works better with the flash... no hate please! She’s the only horse I ride with a flash, my other horses are perfectly fine without one, it’s just my horse’s preference. Plz no hate I live your channel!!!❤️❤️❤️
In the lessons and classes I teach alongside my mother, we use crops very rarely, and only of the horse isnt going off of the leg cues because we ride bareback and your leagues wear out quickly. A simple tap, or even a light smack on the booty is NOT going to hurt your cutie pony, but simply reaffirms your leg cues. As long as you do not hit your horse, or use it as a tool of annoyment or pain, there is no problem with them. Honestly it's like if I reached back and patted my horses butt with my hand to say "alright, come on", without having to lose the focus
Absolutely love this video share pretty much the same views with everything, ESPECIALLY THE FLASH! While at a clinic last week a horse ridden in a flash began coughing the horse ended up dropped to its knees - trainer rushed over to undo the flash when a large amount of grass and saliva came out. Thankfully the rider vowed never to use one again after such a shock.
Whips, spurs and bits are fantastic if needed and if used correctly. In the UK everyone seems to be using gags at the minute (horses previously in single/double joint snaffles) yet another fad.
5 point breastplates I've had the same problems as you've had. My Ottb raced over fences here in the uk for 9 years and his saddle slipped a lot! he was then retrained with a 5 point breastplate, in response to wearing it he shortened his stride to a very choppy step etc. When I bought him and had his saddle fitted to him he no longer needed it, his stride is long again and he rides far more comfortably, he is also in a racing (polo) BreastPlate for larger jumps or XC.
The only Fad that has really worked for my horse is the micklem, he suffered with very poorly maintained teeth during racing (9 year career) so the micklem does seem to help put him at ease. Although his teeth are sorted every 6 months he seems to remember the pain he suffered previous to being in my ownership, however I do like to try him in his standard bridle regularly to see if he settles (hacking and jumping he's fine in it-Dressage however he has time to focus on his bridle and he starts to panic) all of my other horses are in standard bridles with snaffle bits - he's just a little quirky (love him for it mind)
This video really is prefect and you kept your cool too. Fantastic!!x
thats an awesome success story and I'm glad you've had good luck with the micklem! ill make a note of that for sure! but absolutely exactly couldn't agree more about the rest of it!
JETeventing practicalhorsemanmag.com/training/jim-wofford-noseband-tightness
I think that’s really interesting about foam saddle pads! 👍 thx
I honestly just found ur channel today, and I love it!! 🐎💕
I could not agree more people need to understand what they are using on their horses. My old horse would open and close his mouth because he was never trained to accept bit pressure so I used a double jointed roller egg butt so he could play with the roller instead of opening his mouth and it was very helpful but he would still do it just not as much so I put a flash very loosely on him like he could still open his mouth quite wide if he wanted to and just feeling that loosely around his mouth made him progressively not open it and after awhile I was able to take it off and he did not resist the bit anymore he just played with the roller that's why I'm kind of on the fence about flashes it worked so well for my horse but the idea of forcing your horses mouth shut I don't like.
right but at least you used it as a training aid and when your horse was trained you took it off! great work man(:
I love this account! And I agree with you in all of these
The only thing I do use is the flash, but it's not because I want him to keep his mouth closed. When I got my gelding he had been trained with a flash his entire life, and he just wouldn't respond well without it, would put his tongue over the bit, and wpuld be overall confused. What I do now is I just put it on very loosely, so that he feels it there but it's not really forcing his mouth closed
I personally always carry a whip, but I use it for protection. In the backcountry you never know what you're going to run into so I like to have something.
What is you opinion on figure 8 bridles? Also, what brand of boots and elastic breast plate do you use on Zoe? I absolutely love your channel and agree with all of your options!
(on the bit topic) I feel very lucky for the fact that i can know ride my pony in a happy mouth snaffle for flatwork, and happy mouth hanging snaffle for jumping. She actually was ridden in a pelham for a while by her old owners and i felt really bad for her :(
I really like your approach, I personally rather use a whip than spurs (but in a similar way, just as a little wake up call), because I'm not sure my leg is steady enough to use spurs. The horse I ride understands that a whip is an aid and not a source of danger. She's a Gypsy Vanner, not an OTTB tho, so she's generally very chill about everything. :p
I personally like bitless bridles, when I find my horse (currently looking to find one!) I am going to try and use a bitless type of bridle.
I agree with what you said about flashes, however my horses old trainer always used a flash with her, and without it she sticks her tongue out, so there isn't much I can do. She sticks her tongue out (not over the bit) because of discomfort, and with the flash she is softer and doesn't stick it out nearly as much (she still can, but she's more comfortable with it)
My horse started out his life as a hunter, he was a hunter up until the age of 12 so he became used to galloping flat out in fields. Due to that I now have to work really hard to try and relax him on ride outs. He used to be in a three ring gag for all ride outs, cross country events etc. We are now working towards having a flexi mullen mouth eggbut bit at all times and so far so good. He also has a habit of throwing his head very high in the air when he gets excited, so far to the point of him actually hitting me in the face with his head/neck which means a martingale is necessary for the safety of both of us. Also, I have tried him in many different nosebands and the only thing that works to keep control and keep us both working happily and in harmony is a grackle. I currently use a five point breast plate but I'm desperately trying to change it because I hate it ( but I'm broke.. equestrian life.. ) I completely agree with you on everything Jill! Thank you for this video!
Awesome video. I ride my horse in a Myler eggbutt because I have tried variuos bits & he does great in this one. He hates flashes and figure 8s. I ride in breat collar-he doesn't like them either. In a nutshell, my gelding is basic and you push it with him, you are eating dirt.