Best way of finding the right bit for your horse?

[soph15]

This may seem like an obvious question but I’ve never really had to search for a new bit. It’s become clear my green 7 year old horse is really unhappy in his current bit which he came with. We’ve had his teeth done etc and I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s bonkers he came with a Dutch gag when he’s simply not strong and his old owners (well dealers) words were “the strength of the Dutch gag helps to get his head down into an outline”??‍

My instructor and I have found it’s definitely the bit he’s not happy with as we’ve been schooling with no contact on the reins and he’s so much more relaxed, lowers his head and stretches beautifully and the minute there’s a contact with the Dutch gag his head goes right up in the air like a giraffe. This improved dramatically with my friends full cheek bit but still not 100% and I felt the single joint may be the issue. So I definitely want to try him in something else and I’m prepared to keep changing until I find something he’s happy with.

However I’ve done a huge amount of research and I’m fairly shocked at the thousands of different types of bits available?? I think a fullmer/full cheek will suit him best as he’s very green and still young but I’d be keen to try some of the other mouthpieces, and other materials.

Where do you start? Is there a place you can loan bits from before you have to buy or even better is there a reputable bit fitter (like the saddle fitter) I’m Norfolk based but would be prepared to travel anywhere if there is someone that can help, I just want my boy to be comfy and happy! ?

 

[MuddyMonster]

I used a bit fitter, for me, it was definitely a worthwhile experience.

 

[Pippin and Poppy]

The Horse Bit Bank will do a 30 day trial

 

[atropa]

Honestly I wouldn't even bother messing about, go straight to a bit fitter. I wasted 5 years of owning my mare messing around with different bits, finally got a bit fitter out after having her back from full loan and the difference is incredible with the bit she recommended.
Mine was so unsettled in her mouth that she couldn't actually concentrate on any schooling I was trying to do with her, now she is much more relaxed and soft, its like riding a different horse

 

[mini_b]

Echo straight to a bit fitter but I struggled to find one with a decent rep in my area so used a bit bank along with comprehensive descriptions of the problems.
I trialled various bits which I was able to return and referred back to the advisors at bit bank about what worked and what didn’t and where to go next.

at risk of sounding like a broken record, I cannot recommend a bomber happy tongue snaffle enough. You can get it on a loose ring, eggbutt or full cheek. Greener horses or lack of steering with the full cheek and then swap to eggbutt. It seems to universally work on the majority of fussy horses that I have experience of - usually Irish type fleshy tongues etc (Most recently swapped from an unhappy Dutch gag wearer to one)

Currently I use the same mouthpiece on a Pelham with a grackle for extra brakes but sounds like you don’t need this.

 

[soph15]

Echo straight to a bit fitter but I struggled to find one with a decent rep in my area so used a bit bank along with comprehensive descriptions of the problems.
I trialled various bits which I was able to return and referred back to the advisors at bit bank about what worked and what didn’t and where to go next.

at risk of sounding like a broken record, I cannot recommend a bomber happy tongue snaffle enough. You can get it on a loose ring, eggbutt or full cheek. Greener horses or lack of steering with the full cheek and then swap to eggbutt. It seems to universally work on the majority of fussy horses that I have experience of - usually Irish type fleshy tongues etc (Most recently swapped from an unhappy Dutch gag wearer to one)

Currently I use the same mouthpiece on a Pelham with a grackle for extra brakes but sounds like you don’t need this.

Thank you so much for your reply! I really appreciate your recommendation and I’m currently contacting my local saddlery to try one as I hadn’t even heard of a bomber happy tongue! It sounds exactly what I’m after and he is like you describe an Irish fussy horse. It’s given me a really good starting place and hopefully it will suit him?

 

[Regandal]

I echo going for a bitfit consultation. I spent a fortune on bits - including the bomber happy tongue - with no success.

 

[SpotsandBays]

Bit fitter I think is the best way to go. Expert bits are also really helpful and their bits are reasonably priced. My boy is much happier in his

 

[LegOn]

I do really rate a bit consultation - its great to be able to try a variety of bits under a watchful eye!

I've also found Fager bits to be really helpful and knowledgeable - they have a bit quiz you can do and give a range of bits that might suit your horse, then you can check with them for advice! But again, they are expensive so it can be trial and error!

Knowledgeable instructors are also helpful - especially one that trains young horses, my instructor has about 100 bits so she is happy to help and go through them and advise aswell!