Bits for Fussy Horse?

[iknowmyvalue]

Before I start this, the dentist is coming out in 2 weeks, it's already booked. I've had a quick feel in his mouth with a gag in myself, and while teeth definitely need doing they're not horrendous and can't feel anything blindingly obvious.

But since he's going to need a new bit anyway, may as well get the ball rolling with some ideas! I'll probably hire a selection from the bit bank to try out and see what suits best. He's currently in a fulmer snaffle with a lozenge. It's the only bit of Henry's which comes close to being the right size/type, the others are all too big/too much bit. He's better in this than the plan loose ring with lozenge he had in when I tried him. It's maybe a little bit big but not by much, maybe 1/4 inch.

He's ok in the contact, fairly consistent, a bit wooden and needs to relax and stretch down but that's expected with his lack of schooling. It's just that he is constantly licking, opening his mouth, chewing etc when ridden. My gut instinct is that he's not 100% happy in the bit department. Maybe too much movement? I've not had a fussy one before, and don't have my previous instructors huge selection of bits to try anymore sadly!

Things I'm thinking of trying: bombers happy tongue fulmer (Henry has this in the loose ring version but it's at least 1/2" too big for Pepsi hence not trying his), Myler comfort snaffle (eggbut/full cheek), Neue schule turtle top/demi anky. Any other suggestions on top of this welcome, any suggestions MUST be dressage legal.

 

[Sossigpoker]

You'd be better off getting a bit fitting consultant as no one can recommend a bit to suit him without seeing him.
Opening the mouth and licking his lips is a sign of discomfort and this isn't necessarily in the mouth. He could have a problem with his poll , back or even hind legs .
Get his teeth done and maybe consult a qualified chiropractor followed by a bit fitter. That's what I'd do and have done ?

 

[SpotsandBays]

Mine was a chewer until I put him in the comfy barrel snaffle from expert bits. (I know I bang on about these but I’m so happy with them ?). The team are really helpful as well! Also dressage legal, and they’re very reasonably priced, between £30-50

 

[scruffyponies]

Generally for 'fussy' but not resisting or nose-poking I would see if a more stable cheek (same mouthpiece) makes a difference. Eggbut or a Baucher.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

If you are trying a Myler comfort snaffle, I would try the baucher/hanging cheek version as some horses like the stability and poll relief it offers.

 

[Griffin]

You'd be better off getting a bit fitting consultant as no one can recommend a bit to suit him without seeing him.
Opening the mouth and licking his lips is a sign of discomfort and this isn't necessarily in the mouth. He could have a problem with his poll , back or even hind legs .
Get his teeth done and maybe consult a qualified chiropractor followed by a bit fitter. That's what I'd do and have done ?

Absolutely this.

A bit fitting specialist will save you money, time and, most importantly, you are more likely to have a horse that is happy in his tack and work. I also get his saddle and back checked too.

 

[ozpoz]

Mine hates movement and is happiest in a loose ring nathe. I am trying to find something narrower, without success.

 

[Pinkvboots]

My fussy in the mouth Arab is worse in a loose ring his much happy in an eggbutt or fixed side bits, everyday bit is a sweet iron lozenge hanging cheek eggbutt, and for showing his happy in a myler Pelham or a fixed cheek jointed lozenge Pelham.

 

[Pinkvboots]

Mine was a chewer until I put him in the comfy barrel snaffle from expert bits. (I know I bang on about these but I’m so happy with them ?). The team are really helpful as well! Also dressage legal, and they’re very reasonably priced, between £30-50

I have just had a look at those bits I might order the barrel hanging cheek one they look really good thanks!

 

[iknowmyvalue]

Thank you! Sounds like would be worth trying something with less movement. I did actually used to have a french link hanging cheek for a previous horse that I’ll have to try and find… will see how we get on. He’s come from Ireland with no history so can’t say what he’s liked/been ridden in previously. Seller had only ridden him once before I tried/bought him ?

Physio and saddle fitter are in the process of being arranged already too (part and parcel of the expenses and logistics of a new horse ?)

 

[Birker2020]

Before I start this, the dentist is coming out in 2 weeks, it's already booked. I've had a quick feel in his mouth with a gag in myself, and while teeth definitely need doing they're not horrendous and can't feel anything blindingly obvious.

But since he's going to need a new bit anyway, may as well get the ball rolling with some ideas! I'll probably hire a selection from the bit bank to try out and see what suits best. He's currently in a fulmer snaffle with a lozenge. It's the only bit of Henry's which comes close to being the right size/type, the others are all too big/too much bit. He's better in this than the plan loose ring with lozenge he had in when I tried him. It's maybe a little bit big but not by much, maybe 1/4 inch.

He's ok in the contact, fairly consistent, a bit wooden and needs to relax and stretch down but that's expected with his lack of schooling. It's just that he is constantly licking, opening his mouth, chewing etc when ridden. My gut instinct is that he's not 100% happy in the bit department. Maybe too much movement? I've not had a fussy one before, and don't have my previous instructors huge selection of bits to try anymore sadly!

Things I'm thinking of trying: bombers happy tongue fulmer (Henry has this in the loose ring version but it's at least 1/2" too big for Pepsi hence not trying his), Myler comfort snaffle (eggbut/full cheek), Neue schule turtle top/demi anky. Any other suggestions on top of this welcome, any suggestions MUST be dressage legal.

what breed is he?

Some of the foreign breeds have large tongues and prefer a narrower mouthpiece, my previous horse did very well in a nueue schule trans angled lozenge pelham wheras previously I found out from the EDT that the mullen mouth pelham was too big for the tongue.