Bits / Bitting

[fidleyspromise]

Hi all,

I want to start thinking in advance for getting my younsgter ready for backing.
What do you all recommend as a first bit and why? Pony = New Forest.

When you start your youngsters, do you keep them in the bits you start them in or do you change them later on in training?


When I started Tilly a few years ago I had her in a Rubber Snaffle Bit (which I now cannot find) and she's now in a kimblewick - due to brake issues which we are working on. :/


And as always, than you for all / any advice.

 

[LucyLily]

Hi,

 

[LucyLily]

Hi,

I would recommend a training bit, a french link snaffle.
Rubber snaffles can encourage them to chew a bit,
Also depends on how you ride them...
Personally, I wouldnt come out of a snaffle regardless of the horse unless it was 100% necessary ie for xc or something if your horse became genuinely strong out of excitement...a horse than just becomes strong over time either needs re-schooling or needs the basic maners of school work reiterated to him
Good luck!

HTH Lucy

 

[ThePony]

full check french link snaffle is a good bit to start in (and stick with too really!) assuming pretty average mouth confo. When your dentist is out next it would be a good idea to ask him/her about your youngsters mouth confo incase there is anything you need to take into account for the bitting. I would avoid happy mouth/rubber bits as they can be very bulky in the mouth to cope with.

 

[Tnavas]

First bit used just to encourage salivation is a straight bar with keys. Just put on in the stable for a few minutes each day for a few weeks. The keys encourage the pony to mouth the bit.

Then on to a Fulmer Snaffle - with Keepers and a correctly fitted drop noseband. The Fulmer is a lovely quiet bit that gives the pony clear precise instructions and instills confidence in the contact. The cheeks also assist with turning. The drop noseband allows the pony to relax it's jaw correctly but prevent it opening its mouth to evade the bit.
The Fulmer also encourages the pony to work long and low so developing the back muscles correctly.

 

[fidleyspromise]

Thanks everyone

Lots of good advice. When i first started Tilly, I had lots of support whereas due to changes etc I have moved and am on a smaller yard. There are 4 owners and I'm second most experienced. I don't like pestering YO as they are great but more than busy with their own 3 so to come on here is a god send as I want the best for my 2.

Egg-butts/french links are what I've always used but somewhere along the way the highland started getting really strong/setting her neck. Once the snow is gone - will go back to long reining / schooling in french link. Kimblewick is used mainly for hacking as she can get VERY full of herself but to me, I want them both in the mildest bits while still listening to me. Some day :/


Any books with thorough explanations regarding bits? I have the Elwybn Hartley Edwards complete book of bitting but find it doesn't give me the kind of info required.