can you use an english bit on western bridle?

Question

Hi, okay so i've picked out split nylon reins and a nylon bridle. its western. My horse is used to english bit as i've been riding him english shows. Now I am retiring him to trail riding and i'll be using the western wintec that came with him. He also was ridden in only a hackamore before i'm pretty sure, but I don't know how to use a western mechanical hackamore properly, and it is all rusty and falling apart. So I want to get this bridle: http://www.applesaddlery.com/riding/western-tack/c233952/p16519906.html

can I use an english dee ring on this western bridle?? Or should I get a western bit to use with it? If my horse's mouth on an english bit is 5 1/2 inch, will it be the same measurement for a western bit? Also, I don't need anything for a special purpose- just trail riding. I know absolutly nothing about western bits but the most common one that people use to me looks like a tom thumb? Here is what I think:
http://www.applesaddlery.com/riding/western-tack/c233955/p16519988.html

my horse has a really soft mouth and you use neck reining in western anyways, so would this be a bit I should use?
Here are the english bits I already have:
http://www.applesaddlery.com/riding/english-tack/c233904/c378010669/p16517990.html (mine is the same idea but it isn't this exact bit)
http://www.applesaddlery.com/riding/english-tack/c233904/c378010671/p16517928.html
http://www.applesaddlery.com/riding/english-tack/c233904/c378010676/index.html
http://www.applesaddlery.com/riding/english-tack/c233904/c378010670/p16517971.html

I think I will just get the western bit. but is the sizing the same??

Answer 1

Yes, you can use an english bit on a western bridle. You should just use the bit that your horse goes best in. If you were going to start showing western, then maybe you should get a western bit, but for trail riding, you can use any combination that works for you.

Answer 2

Western Bridle

Answer 3

The absolute best part of trail riding, in my opinion, is that anything goes. You can ride in any combination of gear that you wish to, and no one will say a thing.



There is no way I would switch bits for trail riding just because your bridle is western now. If your horse is quiet and happy in a D ring, then use that bit. I've ridden horses in all sorts of gear on trail rides, and honestly the only thing that catches people's attention or receives censure is a bit that is really harsh, or a saddle that is junk.



Trail riding style emphasizes comfort for horse and rider. Lots of riders use ringed snaffles with nylon bridles, even though if they were showing western they would have completely different gear.



Keep your nylon bridle, put your D ring bit on it, and go hit the trails. You will find you fit in just fine with the other trail riders. :)

Answer 4

It doesn't matter. Just stick what you have that works with your horse already. I use a simple ring snaffle for my four year old, and until recently used a western bridle.



If your horse has a soft mouth, don't even touch a tom thumb.

Answer 5

You will be able to use whatever bit you are comfortable with and suits your horse's needs. However, if you do decide to go with a western bit, the most common and versatile would be a snaffle bit. This bit will not cause your horse any discomfort, yet still allows you control.

Answer 6

you can ALWAYS you a nice soft bit, no matter what bridle you use!! if your horse has a nice soft mouth, use a soft snaffle! if you aren't showing, it doesn't matter what combination you use! when im training, i use my english bit/bridle w/ western reins & a western saddle. just cause you are in a western saddle, doesn't mean you have to do western stuff. i post in western & split rein if i have to. its totally fine. use what you are most comfortable with!

Answer 7

i think the tomb thumb will be ok. just go easy on her when she is getting used to it. measure your current bit and see how big it is and order the same size.

Answer 8

ya but i think you have to hold your rains a certain way not for sure though

Answer 9

Yup.