bit of choice for youngsters?

[sleepingdragon10]

Hi guys, just wondering which bit you use/Would recommend for starting a youngster? I'm hoping to start introducing lukey to longreining after xmas and want something mild. Any/All advice welcome

beth x

 

[lochpearl]

Hi, personally I have always used a rubber d-ring snaffle, firstly it is more comfortable for them due to the rubber and it is also great to get them used to the nut cracker action in their mouth. then it is easier to go on to a normal snaffle later. But that is personal choice.

 

[Colleen_Miss_Tom]

I've been and Im currently using a loose ring KK training bit with Lozenge shaped centre on missy who is 2.5 years old .

 

[sleepingdragon10]

thanks. Luke is a couple of months younger than your girl so will be around 2.5 when he starts his 'Work'. Beth x

 

[Vicki_Krystal]

ive always used a rubber snaffle to start my babies.

 

[Cop-Pop]

I always used a rubber straight bar snaffle but my TBx bit right through it so she went into a sweet iron one

 

[arwenplusone]

All the above are good choices

I don't think there is a hard and fast rule for bits for babies - I have used lozenges & rubber straight bars - my yearling is in a nylon straight bar happy mouth - I just played around with a few until I found one that she seemed the most comfortable in.

 

[sleepingdragon10]

Hmm, i'd been looking at the happy mouth but was a little concerned that a fair few people found they rubbed?

 

[xxcharlottexx]

My TB was 5/6 when i bought him, whilst not ayoung youngster he hadnt done anything. Played aroung lots with all sorts of bits and he's happiest in a loose ring straight bar happy mouth (and does not rub!) 2 years down the line he's still happy

 

[JanetGeorge]

[ QUOTE ]

All the above are good choices

I don't think there is a hard and fast rule for bits for babies - I have used lozenges & rubber straight bars - my yearling is in a nylon straight bar happy mouth - I just played around with a few until I found one that she seemed the most comfortable in.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ditto - definitely no 'best' bit. Depends on the shape of youngster's mouth, how fleshy the tongue is, how much ROOM to accomodate a bit. I have a selection of 'mild' bits - most seem to like a straight Happy Mouth with full cheeks - but if they don't seem comfy in that we swap around until we find the right one. But - TBH - the rider's hands are rather more important than the bit - and having the youngster trained to voice aids before backing!