Bit confusion

[Gorgeous George]

I have to confess that I've done something I shouldn't

I have only had dear George 3 weeks and I have changed his bit. He had a kimblewick on but although he went ok in this, I was a little unhappy that this seemed quite a severe bit

so I put him in a fulmer french link snaffle (which his previous owner said he went ok in) with keepers which I didn't feel he went all that well in. He needs help with his schooling (bending and balance) and his brakes can be dodgy in canter! So my questions are:
Should I stick him back in the kimblewick and slowly get on with things.
Give him more time with the fulmer (ridden him twice so far)
Or consider something else? (he had a big mouth / tongue and despite 30yrs riding I can be novicey at times!)

I'm not looking for a quick fix, I just want to know that as I work on his schooling / fitness that he is happy in his mouth and that I am not deadening it

Thanks guys

p.s. his teeth, back and saddle have been checked.

 

[Rowreach]

Kimblewick is ok as long as curb chain isn't too tight (was the preferred bit for kids with strong ponies before 3ring bits came in). If you are concerned about the curb chain, use a leather one (a flash strap doubled up does the job). If the kimblewick is ported, that would allow space for his big tongue, which the French link wouldn't. I'd be inclined to carry on with the kimblewick for the time being while you get used to each other, then maybe play about with another bit if you are not happy in a few weeks' time. Good luck!

 

[AmyMay]

I changed Thumper's bit as soon as I started riding him. No. 1 because he was in some Myler thing when I tried him, which he obviously hated, and No. 2 because I like the KK bit - so that what he's now in.

So I don't see anything wrong with you having a little play around bit wise at all.

Keep at it with the fulmer for a little while longer - at least in the school perhaps - and see how you get on. You can always pop the Kimblewick back in for hacks if you think he may be a little strong.

 

[JAK]

There is nothing wrong with changing horses' bits per se, we always put ours in a plain french-link snaffle at first & judge what they might need otherwise from their reaction to that, so if you want to have a play with the fulmer, that's up to you - he's your horse now remember! lol

Re. the kimblewick, as you know, one of ours wears one & goes well in it! It is used with a correctly-fitted leather curb & I assure you that the Baggage is not the kind of pony to put up with something that was uncomfortable or hurt her in any way!
I am sure you are a far better rider than MD, so if her hands are good enough to use one, I'm quite sure yours are, so don't worry about that!

 

[gemmaw]

i have found changing nose bands as valuable as changing bits depending on what the problems are with brakes and such like, i have an ex racer who can be unstoppable when decides to be but had a tantrum if you over bit him! i find a french link with an american grakle very effective, much better than over bitting!!