Quote Originally Posted by horse_lover
. I'm 13 and it's a little hard to control her. Should I have a bit, a hackamore, or a hack-bit?
Definently ride with a bit, and also a curb chain underneath. Have you ever tried riding with spurs?? I've never riden with spurs cause I always thought "jeez, that looks so mean" but as I've gotten older I've learned that if they are used correctly they are not mean at all, and can help both the horse and rider. If you've never ridden with spurs before, I would get spurs that are called "humane spurs", they don't have the spokes on them, they are just a bar, or one with a circle on the end. I think they also use them for english but I'm not sure. I'm sure you know what a curb chain is, but if not, I'm going to attach pictures. A curb chain and a bit are a MUST when barrel racing, Good LUCK!

spurs

curbchain

THIS is the bit I've used for the past 6 years. I LOVE it and so does my horse. The copper keeps his mouth moist, and if you dont have this bit, whatever bit you do get, get one with copper on it, so your horses mouth doesn't get dry. It causes the mouth to salivate keeping it soft and usable to the rider. Also this has a roller and is also a snaffle bit. If you want one it is called a reining bit w/roller or the Billy Allen reining bit. If you go to www.countrysupply.com and type in "reining bit w/roller" you will find a nice and inexpensive one. Good luck!!