BIT SUGGESTIONS PLEASE

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sparkyd

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I have recently bought a new horse – he is broken and has always been ridden in a mullen mouth pelham with a very long shank. The Pelham is used with roundings and there is no curb chain/strap. Having visited and ridden him prior to this purchase I really feel he would benefit from a change of bit – he does not seem 100% happy when you place the bit in his mouth and likewise when taking it out – although he is responsive when ridden. I would like some suggestions please as to what sort of bits you would recommend from your own experience – I want him to get used to enjoying being tacked up and not be reluctant to accept the bit. He is a 15.1 Welsh Cob, 8 years old and just gelded; so a very big lad. No rubber bits please as he has quite a large tongue. Any suggestions welcomed ! Thanks in advance ! ;)
 
I would start at a loose ring french link (in the school just in case!) and work from there, I have a welsh D so same problems with fleshiness etc.
Goes well in a hanging cheek french link also.

I would avoid single jointed as they're not going to be particularly comfortable for him.
 
I would start with having his teeth checked and then try a mullen mouth snaffle or maybe a loose ring french link and see how he goes. Does he hold his head high/low/nose poke/resist in other ways? Is he strong/take a hold? What nose band is he in? Martingale? All these things will help you decide what to go with.
 
Thanks for the quick replies, I will definitely be getting his teeth checked - He holds himself well and rides in a nice outline; although now you mention it they do have a martingale on him too ? :confused: I'm going to further question the reasoning behind their choice of bit before i get him home - I simply want something comfortable for him to regain his confidence to happily accept the bit; whilst at the same time maintaining control as he is rather huge and I am only 5'3 and 7st 6 :o Asking opinions as I want to get it 100% right with him! All my others are in copper french link snaffles, with the exception of my older pony who rides in a mullen mouth pelham with small shank.
 
Might be a case of trial and error but my chunky cob goes well in a NS hanging cheek with a lozenge. I took away his martingale when I got him as he didn't need it what so never!
 
Personally I wouldn't advise mullen mouth on a horse of his type (unless you can get something curved to allow some space), it won't allow space for his tongue.
If you want unjointed your best bet would be to look at something ported.
 
Thank you for suggestions - tried him in a loose ring copper snaffle with a peanut and he seems very content - no issues at all ! :)
 
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