Bit advise please

[xxcharlottexx]

After reading the post below about how many bits you all own i realised (well i already knew) that i have no clue about bits

What bits give the nutcracker action (and what is is?

)
and what bits give poll pressure

my horse is in a sweet iron fench link snaffle at the moment but i want to try a few other bits in him to see whats the best for him

Hes a 5yr old TB, and has only reaaly started being ridden since i bought him in July
whilst i know hes not going to come on overnight, the part girrafe in him comes out when i ask him to trot

he has lovely walk and is now working in an outline in walk

Could anyone reccomend any bits to try that will encourage him to accept the bit and work correctly

unfortuntely i dont have anywhere at the yard to school him, but took him to the local riding school today and hired out theres and he was fabby especially it was gale force winds hailling and all the good schools were in use so we got stuck with the mini one just over 20x20, he felt fabby and was working nicely

He goes ok in the fench link but it does take 15-20mins until he accpets it

hes got a soft mouth and is usually resposive, but on the odd occasion i have no brakes

I would just like to try a few different ones to see how much of a difference they actaully make

any advise/reccomendation appreciated

(sorry for it being so long and if some of it doesnt make any sense)

 

[Jemayni]

Most bits with a single joint in them have some degree on nutcracker action (think Eggbutt snaffle). I am not great on bits so cant really explain, but basically a nutracker action is what it sounds like, the effect a nutcracker would have if you put it in your mouth and close it!

Bits that give poll pressure are ones with a shank ( not right word but hope that makes sense) that can be used almost as a lever. Pelhams/gags/weymouths use poll pressure.

My 6yo has been in a sweet iron french link since he was 3 - I really like them, I think they are a great bit for a young horse as they are so gentle, it makes them easy to accept. Im a great believer in simple bits; my only advice is - dont change his bit for a quick fix! With my (lack of) experience I cant really help you, but if I was you ID ask an experienced friend to watch me ride and see if theyd recommend a bit change!

 

[BellaKis]

Single jointed bits have a nutcraker action, like eggbutt snaffles etc. They work on the corners of the mouth and the tougue. as you pick up a contact the bit closes together slightly in the horses mouth then when you give with your hands the bit straightens out again if you will. This is the nucraker action.

The french link is a double jointed bit, which reduce the nutcraker action, which mimimises the risk of the touge being pinched by the joint. The french link has the plate in the middle, that lies flat on the horses tongue for greater comfort.

I don't know to much about all the different bits, only the ones I have used myself. My TB mare would not except the contact in the sweet iron, single jointed loose ring I had her in, so I changed to a straight bar snaffle. Because it is a bit more secure in her mouth it really encourages her to take the contact down and forward. It has been really good for her. The only thing is they are not good for horses with braking issues, as they can grab hold of this bit very easily.

Good luck.

Hope this helps.