Another Bit Thread.. Sorry - any ideas though?

[Jazzy B]

I have had a lesson with my new instructor who has basically echoed my feelings that my lad is not 100% happy with the bit I have him in, (its a thin french link). She thinks that his a little dead in the mouth (thorough being over schooled) and would like to see him licking and chewing and wanted to accept the bit more. She suggested he might prefer something "a bit more rubbery" so does anyone have any suggestions? His a good lad but can get a bit strong out in company and we had had a couple of disputes with the french link although nothing horrendous, have always managed to pull up. Thank you and jaffa cakes all round....

 

[Suziq77]

How about something with a copper roller / different metal?

 

[Littlelegs]

Agreed, a copper roller would be first on my list to try.

 

[Jazzy B]

I don't really know much about cooper rollers, do they not react with the saliva in their mouths? - sorry, have always just used snaffles!!

 

[Suziq77]

They get the horse mouthing the bit, which should help with your description of "dead in the mouth" and as they move they prevent the horse from fixing / leaning. I find them very useful to pop in sometimes.

You can get most types of snaffle with a copper roller, e.g. http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/P/..._copper_roller_snaffle_copper_bit-(2096).aspx


You also have the option of moving up a bit stronger e.g.

http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/P/...le_magennis_horse_bit_magennis_bit-(386).aspx

 

[Jazzy B]

thank you very much

 

[Littlelegs]

I'm on my phone so can't find & post a link sorry. But basically they are like a single jointed d ring snaffle. But the mouth piece although smooth & round is alternate metal & copper sections, & the copper bits can roll round. Looks stripy if that rings any bells? No doubt they make other variations now but that's the standard one. As mild as a snaffle, & the copper does encourage the mouth to soften & saliva. No negative reaction with the saliva ime or that I've heard of. Whilst I wouldn't say its always the solution to every bitting problem, I've not yet met a horse who didn't like one if that makes sense?