Advice required on changing a bit

[Tayto]

Hello,

I have had my new horse for 9 weeks now. She 8 years old and is currently in a single jointed snaffle but I am finding that she doesnt have much steering. She has been used mainly for hunting in the past so I think she is just used to going in straight lines.

I am thinking about changing her bit to aid with our steering and also because I do not like the nut cracker action on the single jointed snaffle.

I was thinking about putting her in a full cheek, french link snaffle. Can people give me their experiences with this bit (good or bad) and whether this would be the best bit for me to try? I do not want to keep swapping bits so want to make sure I make the right decision.

I have heard that horses with fat tongues may not like the french link - but how do I know if she has a fat tongue is it just a case of trial and error?

Thanks!

 

[katiieking]

Hi Lisa! Getting a new horse is always fun! ^^

I had a 16.2 mare who would stick her head in the air and wouldn't steer anywhere!

We used to have her in a single jointed loose ring snaffle and moved her to a full cheek french link, worked a treat! She was much much happier, and she was only 7 at the time, so was much nicer on her as well!

Have a go! A french link isn't a harsh bit, so if it doesnt work it isnt going to give any damage!

 

[horse*21]

Same! Ditto the French link full cheek snaffle, my boy is 9 now and it is simple and does exactly what you need it to.

 

[ShowjumpingPrincess]

I find that the NS trans angled lozenge elevator is excellent for steering and really sits the horse back on it's hocks so great for jumping. It is suitable for all horses as it has no nutcracker action and can be used on one of two rings (a bit like a Dutch gag) and can be used with a curb. If this bit is too strong or too expensive (around £80-£90) you could try a rubber mouth full cheek as I find it is really kind on a horses mouth.

 

[Lolo]

I find that the NS trans angled lozenge elevator is excellent for steering and really sits the horse back on it's hocks so great for jumping. It is suitable for all horses as it has no nutcracker action and can be used on one of two rings (a bit like a Dutch gag) and can be used with a curb. If this bit is too strong or too expensive (around £80-£90) you could try a rubber mouth full cheek as I find it is really kind on a horses mouth.

This is quite an extreme response!

My old boy really liked his french link full cheek- he was quite strong and opinionated, but this gave me a bit more help with the steering, and the french link didn't have the head raising effect of the single jointed snaffles. Worked a treat, we could even go XC in it in the end!

 

[LouiseG]

My horse is in the Sprenger RS Dynamic eggbutt and it's great, the cheekpieces are fairly substantial which helps. They also do it in a D ring which would also be great for steering! It has the KK Ultra lozenge but the Dynamic RS is curved and sits much better! I love it. Wouldn't use any other brand. They're expensive, but the difference in my horse in this make of bit is fab!