Biting advice

[Adoni123]

Hello, looking for some advice!

Trying different bits on my new boy. Honestly I’m not one for changing up bits too much - horses previously have always been happy in what they have so have just left them to it!

This boy came in a bit that I’m not a huge fan of, eggbutt with no lozenge. He also hasn’t gone into a contact before but we are getting there. Also, a small amount of extra breaks not exactly needed but are always nice to have in company!

Trying him with a sweet iron loose ring with a lozenge. He seems happy, bit more saliva which I expected. No huffing at all. Sometimes he crunches on it but he did that with the other bit and it’s only occasionally.

Ive not used a loose ring before so anything I need to know would be useful. I really want to know how I know if he’s happy?! He seems quite happy and is just working away as usual. Any advice?

thanks ??

 

[Jackie12]

If he seems happy, he probably is.

Loose rings can pinch the corners of his mouth, so watch out for that.

Seems like you are doing great!

 

[poiuytrewq]

As above really, listen to him!
Sounds like he prefers the new bit, I like a lozenge!

 

[Kaylum]

Is it touching his molars? Thats where the crunching comes in. Is your bridle too tight maybe drop it down a hole?

 

[Mari]

A loose ring relieves the pressure more quickly so giving a faster reward. Is he drawing the bit back in his mouth when he crunches on it? Mine does this as he has a fat tongue & low palate. Maybe try a bit with a forward curve?

 

[Adoni123]

Thanks guys - this bit does actually have a slight forward curve. The bit is in the correct place, if I dropped it any lower it would be too low. He's not crunching all the time. I think he draws it back on purpose and crunches as a habit more than anything as I've popped a few different bits in his mouth and he does it with them all!

Will get my instructor to have a look just to double check

 

[Chianti]

Hello, looking for some advice!

Trying different bits on my new boy. Honestly I’m not one for changing up bits too much - horses previously have always been happy in what they have so have just left them to it!

This boy came in a bit that I’m not a huge fan of, eggbutt with no lozenge. He also hasn’t gone into a contact before but we are getting there. Also, a small amount of extra breaks not exactly needed but are always nice to have in company!

Trying him with a sweet iron loose ring with a lozenge. He seems happy, bit more saliva which I expected. No huffing at all. Sometimes he crunches on it but he did that with the other bit and it’s only occasionally.

Ive not used a loose ring before so anything I need to know would be useful. I really want to know how I know if he’s happy?! He seems quite happy and is just working away as usual. Any advice?

thanks ??

I've just made the same change for my pony. I bought the new bit mainly for when he was being schooled- he was in an ordinary snaffle before. I've hacked a couple of times in the new bit and don't feel as if I have the same brake level so may go back to the old bit for that.

 

[Sugar Plum]

You could try the loose ring lozenge bit that has a sleeve so that helps stop the pinch but you still get the benefit of the loose ring?

 

[Adoni123]

Thanks for the advice guys - I'm going to try an eggbutt snaffle with lozenge which is only a small change from before as all this loose ring pinching talk is putting me off completely!

Thanks all

 

[TotalMadgeness]

I use a HP Relief bit which has sleeves to stop the loose ring pinching and a barrel for the lozenge. It's the only bit he accepts and I know because I think I've tried the full range lol x

 

[Adoni123]

I use a HP Relief bit which has sleeves to stop the loose ring pinching and a barrel for the lozenge. It's the only bit he accepts and I know because I think I've tried the full range lol x

It's quite stressful isn't it... note to self: buy a horse who is already happy with a gentle bit next time!