bit woes

Ugh... today was not a good ride. I got in my head that he needs to be rounder and more through and "on the bit" so... in an effort to get better scores, I tried the western bit on him again. And... it worked.. but he was not a happy camper. He stuck his tongue out multiple times during our ride. Before we even cantered. 

 

I tried to keep the reins nice and long and soft and just ask him with soft little reminders about staying soft. And he felt pretty darn good. He was round and soft and much more correct. But... he wasn't happy about it. I don't know if it's just the bit in general... or if it's the fact that the bit made it so I could get him more correct and round and that hurts his neck?? And then, when his tongue came out, I got mad because... dude.. it's not like I'm cranking your nose in.. I'm not asking you to go in a 2nd level frame even... I'm just asking you to be soft and slightly round! Ugh... But shame on me. Clearly it's bothersome to him... whether mentally, or physically, or both. So... next ride we'll go back to the bosal and just have to figure it out that way. Or... just accept the fact that we'll score poorly, but... hey, if we're still having fun, that's the important part.