Who would have known?

So Spyder has been rather terrible for the past couple of weeks - tossing his head, throwing fits, evading the bit. You may remember that he had tooth surgery in February to remove an absessed tooth, so I thought that he could be having pain issues from the bit.

So I went to Jack's (Dublin Tack Shop) today and got two bits: a happy mouth bit and a black rubber coated snaffle. I put the rubber coated snaffle on his bridle tacked him up as usual. The difference was incredible. Not only did he not throw his head or buck or act idiotic, he carried himself in a perfect frame the entire ride with no fussing at all. He was originally trained by an FEI dressage rider and when I went to see him, one of the attractions for me was how he just seemed to carry himself without hanging on the bit or getting heavy. Tonight, I got that horse back. Poor Spyder - I am going to investigate his mouth further with the help of Dr. J to see if he still has pain or just experiences discomfort with the metal in his mouth.

I am so happy and I most importantly, hopeful. Look out, eventing world, here we come!

Was it the most perfect day for riding, or what?