bitless if so what do i choose?

[Tim's Girl]

I'm thinking of going bitless with my boy due to the fact that he is always playing with the bit so much so it distracts us both when riding. I've currently got him in a ns starter bit and a grackle noseband. ive also tried different bits, flash nosebands and a micklem. I know horses are supposed to play with bits.
i'm not sure what option to go for. He's an ex racer not particulary strong but is forward going and sticks his head in the air alot. Im working on topline and he is up to date with back saddle and teeth. Any advice please? Thanls

 

[Shilasdair]

I'm thinking of going bitless with my boy due to the fact that he is always playing with the bit so much so it distracts us both when riding. I've currently got him in a ns starter bit and a grackle noseband. ive also tried different bits, flash nosebands and a micklem. I know horses are supposed to play with bits.
i'm not sure what option to go for. He's an ex racer not particulary strong but is forward going and sticks his head in the air alot. Im working on topline and he is up to date with back saddle and teeth. Any advice please? Thanls

I wouldn't go bit less, they're quite severe.
Maybe try a quieter bit - one that is stainless steel rather than copper or sweet iron etc. I found a lot of Tbs go nicely in a thin French link as they seem to sit comfortably over the tongue in a small mouth.

People buy thick bits thinking to be kind, but in a small mouth there's just not enough room for it to sit comfortably, and the horse ends up chewing and fidgeting.
S

 

[pistolpete]

If you have a Micklem, use the bitless option on it. I use the mildest form there are three levels to try. Made my gnashy tail-swishy boy much more relaxed and brakes are fine.

 

[Michen]

I would long line him in something like a dually first to see how he responds. I put my horse off the track straight in an English hackamore. Yes it's harsh but I needed him out of a bit asap and I wanted to make sure I had brakes as he was unknown. He was hacked in it on a very loose rein and he actually went really nicely in it, though I wouldn't have used it for schooling.

 

[Tim's Girl]

If you have a Micklem, use the bitless option on it. I use the mildest form there are three levels to try. Made my gnashy tail-swishy boy much more relaxed and brakes are fine.

Totally forgot it goes bitless. I have the multi bridle so will see if i can find the straps. Its only in the last month or so he has got bad. I've even called in a pro to help me

 

[lakesidedreamer]

I use a cross under bridle on my sensitive old lady. She has spent 20 years fighting me in every bit imaginable - until we settled on a very thick, hollow mouth snaffle. When we made the jump to bitless it was an "ah ha!" moment - she just settled - she can still be a bit strong when hyper, but it's no worse than when she was bitted, and if she does anything naughty we just turn a circle.

 

[9tails]

I use a cross under bridle on my sensitive old lady. She has spent 20 years fighting me in every bit imaginable - until we settled on a very thick, hollow mouth snaffle. When we made the jump to bitless it was an "ah ha!" moment - she just settled - she can still be a bit strong when hyper, but it's no worse than when she was bitted, and if she does anything naughty we just turn a circle.

Mine is fine bitted or bitless, but she goes really well in the crossunder.