Bit recommendations

sheep

sheep

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Just wondering what bits you might try with this horse..
14yo ISH mare, quite a hot headed and sensitive soul. Teeth etc all good. Quite a fine head in general but nothing too unusual in terms of mouth confirmation. She is however quite fussy in the contact and her reluctance to truly accept it is hindering our progress somewhat. She was previously ridden in full cheek snaffle with copper roller, but I've moved away from this as I think the roller was encouraging her to fuss too much in the mouth.
Currently in a straight bar with loose rings. I think she likes the loose ring as contact has improved - but I feel the mouthpiece is a bit too chunky for her - and she still fusses a little bit (by this I mean rolls her tongue under the bit - not over - and occasionally opens her mouth).
We've also tried hanging snaffle (French link) which was OK but not as good as the straight bar. Also tried eggbutt snaffle (no good) and very briefly a pelham which she absolutely hated. Now know I need to avoid poll pressure as much as possible as she is extremely sensitive to it and makes her feelings known ;)
Instructor mentioned NS turtle top, which I see does come in a loose ring version. Just wondering if anyone else has any other recommendations?
Will probably trial the turtle top anyway, but ppostingt just in case anyone has bright ideas for a fizzy but sensitive soul who is quite soft in the hand. With her, this feels like the final little tweak we need, as she's going so nicely otherwise. Prefer dressage legal where possible but open to suggestions!
 
Have a look at these bits, I love them and so do the horses, Hilary can make anything to order as well if you wanted a thinner mouthpiece for example.

I would stick with something that moves as little in the mouth as possible, even if it means she is a little heavy until she is still in the mouth.

I would start with this bit - http://www.informeddesigns.co.uk/store/p4/Symmetry_Eggbutt_Snaffle_.html

Then move onto this - http://www.informeddesigns.co.uk/store/p11/Harmony_D_Cheek__Snafflle.html

Obviously you can have any mouthpiece with any cheek, but they are super bits.
 
Demented Elf said:
Have a look at these bits, I love them and so do the horses, Hilary can make anything to order as well if you wanted a thinner mouthpiece for example.

I would stick with something that moves as little in the mouth as possible, even if it means she is a little heavy until she is still in the mouth.

I would start with this bit - http://www.informeddesigns.co.uk/store/p4/Symmetry_Eggbutt_Snaffle_.html

Then move onto this - http://www.informeddesigns.co.uk/store/p11/Harmony_D_Cheek__Snafflle.html

Obviously you can have any mouthpiece with any cheek, but they are super bits.
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Brilliant, thank you! Looks very interesting!
 
has she seen a dentist recently? someone who is qualified as a dentist rather than a vet who rasps teeth......that would be my first thought if she is fussy in her mouth......
 
splashgirl45 said:
has she seen a dentist recently? someone who is qualified as a dentist rather than a vet who rasps teeth......that would be my first thought if she is fussy in her mouth......
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Agree this is very important. She is due to see dentist again shortly for routine visit - we haven't had any issues on previous visits though. We are lucky to have a really excellent dentist locally.
We've ironed out quite a few issues in general with her lately and I think getting the bitting right is the next piece of the puzzle! In all honesty it probably is quite a subtle problem, but I want her to be settled so we can continue to improve.
 
I tried all sorts of bits for my mare and she was always a bit fussy with her mouth. By pure chance I put her in a mullen mouth and she completely changed! So glad to see shes not the only one that didnt get on with 'nice' bits like the french link or lozenge.

She's out of work at the moment (being a mom) but will be coming back into work soon. I cant help but feel the mullen mouth must squish her tongue a bit so was checking out the happy tongue from bombers bits. They're currently a bit out of my budget but I might try get one from the bit bank to try before I buy.

I also came across these and will probably give it a go. For that price its worth a try! http://cotswoldsport.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=659

I never really thought a horse would be happier in a mullen mouth or straight bar over a jointed or anatomical bit. People always rave about Neue Schule bits but I honestly think some horses just dont get on with them. All the time and money I spent on fancy and 'kind' bits and my mare goes the best in her cheapy stainless steel mullen mouth.
 
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