Bits. Single Jointed or French Link??

chickeninabun

chickeninabun

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I wanted a cheap bit to see how my mare goes in it for jumping, and have vouchers for Amazon (didn't even know they sold bits:eek:) so am looking at these....

Fulmer French Link...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Grafton-Ful..._1_87?ie=UTF8&s=sports&qid=1283265410&sr=1-87

Full Cheek Copper Roller...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Full-Cheek-...sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sports&qid=1283265517&sr=1-1

I'd prefer a roller to stop her leaning and help her mouth the bit a little more, but it's a single jointed, which I don't really like. Are they really that bad?? :confused: She'd only be in it for the little bit of jumping we do (maybe once a week max), as she's normally in one of these loose ringed snaffles....
http://www.thehorsebitshop.co.uk/product.php?xProd=311&xSec=4

Any advice gratefully received:)
 
Whats wrong with the loose ring for jumping, is that single joint? If he has a big/thick tougue I find the french link better, it is also believed that the french link helps them to not lean but I haven't found that, if you have the rollers that will help him with not leaning more than a french link. I don't think the single jointed is that bad, my horse goes best in a single jointed loose ring, I would say if anything I have found the Dr Bristal very harsh. Its the same with anything, in the wrong hands any bit can be harsh, it really depends on the horse and the conformation of their mouth what would work best.
 
Last edited:
ossy said:
Whats wrong with the loose ring for jumping, is that single joint? If he has a big/thick tougue I find the french link better, it is also believed that the french link helps them to not lean but I haven't found that, if you have the rollers that will help him with not leaning more than a french link. I don't think the single jointed is that bad, my horse goes best in a single jointed loose ring, I would say if anything I have found the Dr Bristal very harsh. Its the same with anything, in the wrong hands any bit can be harsh, it really depends on the horse and the conformation of their mouth what would work best.
Click to expand...

My loose ring pulls through her mouth, as we have zero steering control whilst jumping at the moment :o, so am looking for a full cheek bit, but not too sever, as she's not strong (most of the time:rolleyes:) but likes to lean and have me hold her head up.
I'm just unsure about the "nut cracker" effect with single jointed. Her current loose ring is a lozenged french link.
 
Flo_Bell said:
My old TB used to lean on the bit quite a bit, and I tried him in a copper roller, and he didn't really like it TBH.

What he did always go well in was a Dr bristol though

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Grafton-Dr-...sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sports&qid=1283267687&sr=1-1

Maybe you could try that? Still double jointed, but the centre section is angled, so will put pressure on the tongue to prevent leaning on the bit.
Click to expand...

It does look quite sever, and I wouldn't say I am the most experienced light-handed rider I've ever met, so I don't think I'd trust myself with a strong bit. :o
 
ah you need some extra turning ability... I wondered that, if she schools well on the flat in the lozenger one I would stick to that and get a fulmer or full cheek version to help with the turning.
 
I just ordered that same copper roller bit for my girl who is currently in a french link eggbutt. I do have some of the same concern about the single link but she went well in one before I got the french link and I'm hoping the copper rollers keep her happy enough to be soft in it.
 
Personally, I don't like the single jointed one because of the nutcracker action. I think it must be horrible to have a bit of metal sticking into the roof of the mouth.
My mare hates a single joint. I ride her in a french link and she is fine. I also have a myler ported bit that she never leans on and it's very kind. i don't think that is in your amazon thing though.
I wouldn't use the dr bristol, it is really severe, it puts a lot of pressure on the tongue.
Out of the 2 you have said, i would go with the french link. But that is just personal choice.
 
Hate single joints (how would you like to be jabbed with metal in the roof of your mouth?!). Also dislike the rollers - harsh on the mouth and although they def do discourage leaning, you need your horse to be comfortable taking a bit of a contact, I doubt she would find the roller soft enough to do that. You need to encorage self carriage (transitions!) while reinforcing turning aids. If you would like more turning then I would go for a full cheek or a baucher. Both in french link lozenge. They should make a noticable difference to your turning, without being harsh on her mouth.
Something like this would be my choice
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Stainless-Cop...-NEW-/140439298561?pt=UK_Horse_Wear_Equipment

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/COPPER-MIX-LO...ER-5-/320583819796?pt=UK_Horse_Wear_Equipment
 
From seeing you riding her, I would use the same mouth peice that she is used to but with full cheeks, she didn't appear to look strong or be what I call leaning, probably just need a full cheek to help like you say keeping her straight when approaching the jumps but when she's used to jumping coloured fences with fillers etc think it's just a case of schooling over scary fences and getting her used to them. :)
 
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