Bits!!

[RhiannaShea]

Hiya guys I’m hoping you’ll be able to give me a little advice on bitting,
I’ve just recently purchased a new horse who is a 7 year old lightly backed cob cross.
He’s currently in a Wilkie snaffle but has started reacting badly with pressure in his mouth, I dislike this bit anyway as it has a nutcracker affect so was looking to change eventually and his teeth are booked in to be done with his vaccinations in a few weeks.
He really doesn’t seem happy with this bit, I’ve tried two of my friends spare bits which was a d ring snaffle with sweet iron and copper he seemed to prefer the taste.
I was just wondering which you would put him in, he doesn’t seem really strong so I don’t want to go towards a gag/Pelham bit. And with him being so early and babyish in his work I want him to be as happy as he can be with it!
- Which bit would be best out of a hanging cheek, wilkie, and fulmer?
- Is there any difference between a French link and a lozenge?
- And is there a difference in copper and sweet iron?

 

[be positive]

You really need to get his teeth done then use trial and error, as he is only just backed you would be best starting with a simple lozenge or french link with a loose ring and see how he goes over the next month or two, there are obviously differences in all bits and no such thing as the best one because every horse is also different.

I would not use a wilkie on any young horse and at this stage would not even consider a gag or pelham even if he was strong I would be taking time to educate him, I am not a fan of hanging cheeks but some horses like them, a full cheek can be useful giving stability and some like an eggbutt for similar reasons but most of the ones I have started or taken on as youngsters go initially into a loose ring unless they are not happy with the movement when I will move onto a full cheek and gradually work out what is required as their education develops.