Biting advice

[Laramy80]

I'm wondering if the bit I'm using with Ripley is best suited to her. Have her in a simple loose ring french link snaffle with grackle nose band. She takes a contact no problem but doesn't seem to play with the bit at all (i.e. no slobber produced), also when she's bit a bit fresh (esp when jumping) and you ask for a downward transition or a tighter turn she'll toss her head side to side a bit. Her teeth were checked the other month and all is fine there. Don't want a strong bit just it seems she doesn't seem to like her current bit. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[emski]

Have you tried a nathe bit also known as a happy mouth bit?
My horse does the same when showjumping. It worried me a bit at first but I saw a video of his grandsire showjumping (Quidam de Revel) and he did exactly the same so I don't worry too much about it now.

 

[Laramy80]

Thanks emski for the reply. Never tried a Nathe/happy mouth before. Have always had horses that went well in traditional metal bits.

Anyone else?

 

[Laramy80]

Forgot to mention that I'm bringing her on as a showjumper. She is mostly light in the mouth but for some reason the bit just doesn't feel right for her..

 

[measles]

I am a huge fan of Neue Scheule bits - see www.nsbits.com/ I always have young ones (and mostly older ones) in the Team Up bit and find they seem to like it and accept the contact.