Bit for more control than Happy Mouth Jointed Eggbutt Snaffle?

CobSunshine

CobSunshine

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Looking for a new bit which will give a bit more control when my horse decides to go whatever way he wants.

Always used the below bit, which is great when hacking in company and he regularly takes the lead. But when hacking alone every couple of rides he'll decide he wants to go a certain way and nothing will stop him!

Want suggestions on the next bit to try from this for more control, while not being harsh.

37219-01.jpg
 
What about a Happy mouth hanging cheek snaffle with the same mouth piece as your usual bit, should give you a bit more control.
 
Katd66 said:
How about a fulmer/full cheek snaffle? Similar to the eggbutt snaffle but it is really good for extra steering help!

fulmerSnaffle_509.jpg
Click to expand...

Thats the bit i use on one of mine, she used to just spin and take off if she didnt want to do something in the school and with this bit i could catch her in time and stop her so could be worth you trying plus its not a expensive option to try.
 
If it's a steering issue, I'd go with a full cheek or fulmer, if it's a leaning issue I'd go for more links i.e french link or waterford. If it's a strength issue then try the hanging cheek or one with a curb. Good luck.
 
Also to note that the full cheek/fulmer snaffle can also come as a happy mouth and/or as french link. This bit is excellent for youngsters/greener or those who need a bit of steering help!

The hanging cheek snaffle works by putting pressure on the poll which makes it slightly stronger than an eggbutt/full cheek. But no as much help for steering.

Depends what sort of control - steering/strong - you require!
 
Don't think the above pic worked as on mobile phone,

heres the link to current bit

http://www.bluepony.co.uk/products/Happy-Mouth-Jointed-Large-Ring-Eggbutt-1500


When he wants to go one way and we end up going in circles, then 2 minutes later he'll try and turn round again - almost as if the current bit is too "happy" mouth and he's not bothered to resist it and try and go another direction. So i'd say more steering.

Can anyone post pics of suggestions too so I know what to look for :)
 
If you want to stay along the lines of the happy mouth then I'd try this bit:
http://www.brendonsaddlery.co.uk/ad...oryname=Bits&subcatname=Happy+Mouth&itemid=33 It's still classed as a mild bit, has full cheeks for your turning and more links incase he tries to lean through it.

Otherwise the same bit can be got in stainless steel, copper, salox (NS bits) basically the warmer metals are designed to help the horse mouth/soften more to the bit.

Also the chunkier the bit the softer they are, happy mouths tend to be quite chunky in the diameter of the mouth part. The metal alternatives can be thiner.

Here's a copper mouthed alternative: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FULL-CHEEK-EG...t=UK_Horse_Wear_Equipment&hash=item5639fb4be7
 
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Looks like the fulmer may be a good choice then, do they come with different ring sizes?

I may even plump for a sweet nickle/copper one instead of the coated plastic one as eventually the plastic gets scuffed/marked.

Would a metal fulmer be a big shock to horse or in effect would it feel the same but with only more control on the side of his cheeks when he tries to circle round?

I don't think he ever leans on the bit, so would the extra links be of any use?
 
I actually prefer the extra link as it removed the nutcracker action of an ordinary snaffle so actually makes it kinder. He may find it a bit cold having metal in his mouth so the first few times you can warm the mouth piece up in your hand so he gets used to it slowly. But he should be fine.

The fulmer rings you can get loose ring or fixed as the picture shows. I thing the rings are pretty much come in the same size.
 
evening all.

I've tried a metal eggbut snaffle yesterday and whilst it gave no difference to control to my plastic happy mouth - he was ok with the cold metal.

So i've decided on a fullmer or a full cheek snaffle.

Any advise on which would be better?

I'm swinging towards the full cheek as it doesn't require keepers and appears a more solid unit, quieter, but not sure on control differences?

I take it I can still go for same size 4.5" and the cheek pieces shouldn't dig in etc?
 
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The top link has a thinner mouth piece so is a severer bit to the second link which has a slightly chunkier mouth piece. Other than that they are pretty much the same.
 
That still looks quite thin in the picture! I would take a trip around a few tack shops and see if you can get a mouth piece similar to what you have now.

Look at the make and then see if cheaper online!
 
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