Bit choice for Iberian

[Kimperkins500]

I have a 9 year old PRE mare, her education is very limited! I brought her over to England and have few details on her ridden background. She is sound, teeth fine back new saddle etc, but struggling to find a bit for her.
She is strong but has some breaks, her mouth is sensitive.

i have tried a fair few, she tosses her head, and I end up riding a giraffe with her front legs in the air.

I have tried jointed and single snaffle/full cheek and loose ring.

Waterford, Wilkie and trialed her in a Pelham … but ideally I don’t want that to be an everyday bit.

anyone else got some ideas?

 

[ycbm]

Many of them including mine go best in a mullen mouth snaffle - a single bar with a curve in it.
.

 

[littleshetland]

Mine does very well in a loose ring snaffle with a lozenge, but when I first had him he was in a hanging cheek snaffle with lozenge, which helped for a while.

 

[Kimperkins500]

Thank you these are good to know! She broken late, had a foal and did minimal work until I imported her. Started from scratch with her but what the softest bit she can take as I don’t want to pop her in a harsher bit unless I really have to! Retraining her where she’s accepting the bit is what I’m aiming for.

 

[Kimperkins500]

So many typos in that sorry ??

 

[TPO]

It would probably be worthwhile to get a bitting consultant out.

They coulsntwll you from certain the shape of the mouth and position of the palate etc and will have a whole range of bits at their disposal for you to try.

More effective and cheaper then trying things adhoc

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Mine doesn't love a Mullen and I think I cannot compete with one here...but I'm not quite sure because I didn't get that far since I found something better anyway.

He is currently in a Fager Lilly bit (they have a newer version of this now, can't recall the name). I think he likes the titanium because it's light, tasteless, and warms up quickly. He also prefers a fixed cheek. This bit is single jointed but locks so it can't do the whole nut cracker thing. It also locks frontwards. He's a very light and soft horse, so this works for him, but Fager has many other bits.

I am debating converting his double to titanium too. He goes well enough in it, but his like for the snaffle got me thinking.

This also could be a fitness and body issue. They'll lock their backs and fling their legs all day if you let them it takes time. Of course the right bit helps! Maybe take a few on trial.