buzzles
Well-Known Member
Just a curious post really about which first bits you prefer to use to start youngsters.
In work all the 2 year olds are started in straight bar mouthing bits with keys, however I don't really like the straight bar as it doesn't really fit the shape of the mouth and I think the keys encourage too much play. A lot of them excessively chew the bit and try to stick their tongue over.
Personally, when I'm doing my own, I prefer a nice round loose ring single jointed snaffle as it fits the mouth a bit better and allows for a little play. When they start being ridden and doing a bit more I like the fulmers, as it helps with the steering and it's abit more secure in the mouth so they can be encouraged to work forward into the contact. However I might start my rising 3 year old this year in a KK ultra bit as he's had a few issues with his mouth (he had a growth) and I restarted my young mare in it last year and she really liked it (she'd been originally started in a straight bar pelham
and had terrible habits when I got her: tongue over the bit, excessive salivating, grinding).
Obviously the hands at the other end of the bit are the most important factor in starting a young horse but I was just wondering what peoples preference were?
In work all the 2 year olds are started in straight bar mouthing bits with keys, however I don't really like the straight bar as it doesn't really fit the shape of the mouth and I think the keys encourage too much play. A lot of them excessively chew the bit and try to stick their tongue over.
Personally, when I'm doing my own, I prefer a nice round loose ring single jointed snaffle as it fits the mouth a bit better and allows for a little play. When they start being ridden and doing a bit more I like the fulmers, as it helps with the steering and it's abit more secure in the mouth so they can be encouraged to work forward into the contact. However I might start my rising 3 year old this year in a KK ultra bit as he's had a few issues with his mouth (he had a growth) and I restarted my young mare in it last year and she really liked it (she'd been originally started in a straight bar pelham
Obviously the hands at the other end of the bit are the most important factor in starting a young horse but I was just wondering what peoples preference were?
