Bit for a youngster?

[ShadowFlame]

Few general questions - horse in question is a 4yo cob. I had him originally in a standard eggbutt snaffle. No real issues, but he wasn't keen on having it in, and I wasn't doing any ridden work with said bit. I changed him to a happy mouth loose ring snaffle to start his ridden work. He's much happier having this one in, but I don't think he's too keen on the nutcracker action. Anyway, I want him to be as happy as possible - what bit do you recommend starting a youngster in?

Loose ring vs eggbutt?

How good are the "curved" mouthpiece bits? (e.g. http://www.equestrianclearance.com/weatherbeeta/_jp_korsteel_oval_link_bits/index.html#placeholder)

Is it best to stick to a happy mouth, or try something else?

Just interested to hear opinions. Thanks!

 

[LouS]

I always start in a full cheek snaffle, I started my gelding in a straight bar happy mouth and he is now in a NS lozenge eggbutt snaffle and I would be happy to start something in that, I've not had a horse who didn't like it. I'm not a fan of jointed bits, I always opt for a lozenge.

 

[MissChaos]

My 5 year old's also in an NS lozenge eggbutt snaffle and no issues - is in it precisely bc it should be good for him at that age.

 

[cob&onion]

I started my 3yr old cob in a full cheek snaffle with a lozenge joint. I then moved onto a loose ring lozenge bit but after chatting with the dentist i decided to go for a thinner mouth piece as she has a small mouth.
She is now rising 4 and just started hacking again after being turned away. Although i haven't schooled her yet she already feels alot more settled in her mouth with the neue schule starter bit which has a 14mm mouth piece as opposed to the 16mm one she had in........i got it on trial for 28 days from the bit bank

http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/P/..._Bit_16mm_starter_bit_neue_schula-(1016).aspx

 

[SavingGrace]

I use a JP eggbutt snaffle on my youngster x