Monthly diary — February 2014
Lucinda Green
Read all about what legendary eventer Lucinda Green has been up to this month.
The bits proved particularly useful this time. Often people become ‘stuck’ with what they’re using. When a horse is throwing its head around, it’s usually not happy and can’t see the fences easily, so it makes sense to try something new. Three-ring snaffles are often considered a good next step from traditional snaffles - but over the years they've become my least favourite bit as so few horses actually accept the pressures they apply. I tend to try different mouthpieces first and only change the action if this hasn’t helped. The ‘nutcracker’ action of a single-jointed bit doesn't always suit horses either - a Waterford or a Dr Bristol may help. And it’s important not to always scale up in severity – a horse often goes much better in a gentler bit such as a Nathe.
During one of my three days off, I looked at a horse that my long-term mate, Sharon Ridgeway, finder of many horses for William Fox-Pitt, had on her books. I rather liked him and with Cry Freedom nearing retirement I’m keeping an eye out for something else to bring up the ranks. This chap was lovely but at nine, a little older than my ideal. However, I’d better not look for something too young or I might run out of time…
