Tennesse Walker Problems?

You would have to check with your local showing groups to see if this bit is legal because it is relatively new, but your problem sounds like the peewee bit would be a godsend. I have a horse that would try to rear, buck, leap, and lunge whenever I tried to turn him. Within the first 5 minutes riding with the peewee bit, he was a completely different horse. He was prancing, his ears were perked, and he was doing his circles just fine. I too am not that large (only 5'4") and he is a draft cross (huge!) this bit is good for riders that have light hands, but lack the strength to hold a headstrong horse back. There are even three different ways to set it up, so you can see which one works best for you. I would highly recommend it! Your parents horses might also benefit from this bit. They even have a website for you to look at if you google the peewee bit.