Best bit for backing a youngster?

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rubyrumba

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I have recently bought a 3 year old section a gelding, unbroken, which will be for my son in a few years. I am planning on starting work with him soon as i have the whole summer off! What do you think is the best bit to start him off with? I was thinking of a loose ring copper mouth french link but i am open to suggestions or better ideas and want to see what everyone uses. Thanks
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it depends on the horse but ive used rubber/nylon bits or simple snaffles, full cheeks help with learning steering
loose rings give more movement in the mouth but some horses get too mouthy in them and suit a fixed ring better

its all about the horse ...youll know what suits him best
 
totally depends on the horse- he will soon tell you what he is comfy in!
have you got a friend who has a range of bits you can try before you buy anything?

i have about 15 different types of snaffle as well as a selection of other, more interesting, bits so tend to have something to suit.

i don't like rubber bits as i don't think they are ergonomically designed to suit the horses mouth and also can encourage chewing- look at how thick the bars are on a rubber bit compared to a metal one.

the first ones i tend to try are a simple french link snaffle or if they are mouthy i have a ported myler that works well- but it really is down to the individual horse
 
Just to say, if you use a rubber straigt bar careful it isn't too big for the youngsters mouth - my ned was broken in a bit so big he couldn't breathe, meaning he had to throw his head up to get air (how the NS lady explained it), which developed into a habit we have had to break.
 
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Just to say, if you use a rubber straigt bar careful it isn't too big for the youngsters mouth - my ned was broken in a bit so big he couldn't breathe, meaning he had to throw his head up to get air (how the NS lady explained it), which developed into a habit we have had to break.

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how odd, but why didnt he just breathe through his nostrils?

but i would advise anyone with any bit on any horse to make sure the sizing is correct and suitable
 
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how odd, but why didnt he just breathe through his nostrils?

but i would advise anyone with any bit on any horse to make sure the sizing is correct and suitable

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probably means that the tongue was rolling up under the bit which can restrict the airways as the tongue pulls back- hence why i said i hate rubber bits as i find this a common occurance!
 
The nathe or KK Duo bits are rubber bits that are ergonomically desgned
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However, I would always use a lozenged type snaffle, with either full cheeks or loose ring
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