Here is a Full list of Leslie Smalygo's go-to barrel racing bits
Leslie Smalygo has gone from Western dressage to pleasure, to reining arenas before taking to the barrel racing arena as a trainer for many years. With her unique background, this has allowed her to develop her own training methods and find out which bits she likes the best for different reasons. Here is a list of what bits you can find in Smalygo’s trailer and why.
Reverse gag
A reverse gag bit is designed to offer more lift and collection while encouraging a horse to stay soft in the face without excessive pressure. Unlike a traditional gag bit, which allows the bit to slide upward on the cheekpieces when pressure is applied, a reverse gag bit limits the amount of vertical movement while still engaging the horse’s poll and mouth. Smalygo will put this bit on Gus if he is starting to shoulder the first barrel and can tune him up quickly before it becomes a bigger problem.
Short Shank Jim Warner hackamore (Gus's Go-to)
Leslie Smalygo’s RodeoHouston and Calgary Stampede champion Gus is proof that a hackamore can be a winning setup. It helps him stay soft, responsive, and comfortable during runs. When Gus gets too confident and strong, Smalygo switches to a lifter bit to help elevate his shoulders and encourage collection.
Smalygo's go-to Bits for Colts
Leslie Smalygo will start all her colts in a twisted wire snaffle to gain collection and bend through the body. Then, she will move to a sliding gag with a nose piece to gain nose bend and more flexion. The sliding action offers a gradual cue, helping the horse learn to give without abrupt pressure. Depending on how strong colts are in Smalygo’s hands, she will move to a junior cow horse to help refine cues while maintaining softness and responsiveness.
Correctional Bit
Smalygo can not live without her Rate and Turn Correctional bit. This bit helps a horse rate (slow down before a turn) and stay collected while maintaining control through the turn. This bit features a high port and leverage shank.
“I don’t switch bits a lot. Once they like it, that’s what I stick to. I don’t have a warm-up bit or just a running bit. It is what they are going to use all the time.”
Leslie Smlaygo
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