Charlie31
Well-Known Member
I know the answer to this will be that it’s all trial and error but I thought I’d put my question out there and see if anybody has any suggestions.
My horse is very sensitive in his mouth and doesn’t really like any bits I’ve tried him in. I can get him happy enough for hacking, although I largely go along with loose reins anyway then, but I need something he can get on with for dressage.
He is very tentative into the contact and can be quite tense about it all. In an eggbutt he can tend to set his neck but in a loose ring he fusses and can start to snatch. Hanging cheeks are a big no-no.
I’ve tried loads of bits and through a process of elimination I’ve worked out that a lozenge doesn’t really suit him and he’s quite tense in a straight bar or Mullen mouth. He doesn’t seem to get on with the rubber bits like Nathes or a Sprenger Duo and I think this is because he hasn’t really got any room in his mouth and they’re just too chunky for him.
So I think I’m looking for a single jointed bit that is not too obtrusive in his mouth and is gentle for him. This should narrow it down quite a bit but there’s still loads of choice and I don’t know where to start and whether to go for a loose ring or fixed cheek. So does anybody have any suggestions please?
Just to add that I’m currently trying a Sprenger Novocontact and on paper this should be perfect. He’s slightly less tense in it but is by no means what I’d call relaxed and I’ve noticed he’s also quite chompy with it.
I should also add that back, saddle and teeth have all been done very recently and all are fine. I’ve been told by several people now that the horse moves really well behind and through his back. Unfortunately the front end doesn’t seem to want to play!
My horse is very sensitive in his mouth and doesn’t really like any bits I’ve tried him in. I can get him happy enough for hacking, although I largely go along with loose reins anyway then, but I need something he can get on with for dressage.
He is very tentative into the contact and can be quite tense about it all. In an eggbutt he can tend to set his neck but in a loose ring he fusses and can start to snatch. Hanging cheeks are a big no-no.
I’ve tried loads of bits and through a process of elimination I’ve worked out that a lozenge doesn’t really suit him and he’s quite tense in a straight bar or Mullen mouth. He doesn’t seem to get on with the rubber bits like Nathes or a Sprenger Duo and I think this is because he hasn’t really got any room in his mouth and they’re just too chunky for him.
So I think I’m looking for a single jointed bit that is not too obtrusive in his mouth and is gentle for him. This should narrow it down quite a bit but there’s still loads of choice and I don’t know where to start and whether to go for a loose ring or fixed cheek. So does anybody have any suggestions please?
Just to add that I’m currently trying a Sprenger Novocontact and on paper this should be perfect. He’s slightly less tense in it but is by no means what I’d call relaxed and I’ve noticed he’s also quite chompy with it.
I should also add that back, saddle and teeth have all been done very recently and all are fine. I’ve been told by several people now that the horse moves really well behind and through his back. Unfortunately the front end doesn’t seem to want to play!