Bitting Question

[Spangles]

What bits do you find work well for you and your horse if it sometimes resists contact, can shove it's head up in the air. I know every horse is different but it would interesting to know what other riders find helpful.
Also, dressage legal.
Horse in question has fleshy lips, large tongue, normal/ low bars, a normal palate, can be a bit tight in poll. Teeth regularly checked.

 

[rextherobber]

Bombers Happy Tongue snaffle

 

[vmac66]

Neue schule turtle top loose ring.

 

[scats]

I had Millie in a myler comfort snaffle, but she had a tendency to curl behind the contact and the vet chiro found she had become very tight through her hyoid muscle (back of throat, attached to tongue).
Tried a bomber happy tongue and the difference is unbelievable. 6 weeks later and her hyoid has loosened, as have shoulders (which can tighten if hyoid is tight) and she is taking the contact forwards and not curling back. I used to notice that in canter she would head toss in the myler, but this has also stopped.

The only problem is I have less control out hacking don’t fast work, so need to re-think a bit for that.

 

[Annagain]

Archie was incredibly fussy and it took me 18 months of trial and error to find the right bit for him. He has a huge tongue and enormous lips. A Myler mullen mouth hanging cheek was the answer. He was very strong so I was very surprised such a mild bit gave me any control but as soon as he wasn't uncomfortable and fighting it, I suddenly had brakes. The Micklem bridle also made a big difference to him (and seems to be making a difference to Charlie now too).

 

[scruffyponies]

In a young horse, nose-pokers are often trying to avoid the nut-cracker action, but haven't quite got the hang of softening and taking the contact. I would try a lozenge-type two joint snaffle, or a bit without a joint at all, such a cambridge or a bomber.
If horse is still 'fussy' with a loose ring or trying to get the tongue over, then egg-but or baucher sides usually work, as provides a steadier feel in the mouth.

If horse is more educated, and deliberately raising the head above the angle of control as an evasion then the answer is a standing martingale, which may only be needed for a while until they get the message.

 

[mini_b]

Bombers Happy Tongue snaffle

this 100% these were a game changer for us

 

[mini_b]

I had Millie in a myler comfort snaffle, but she had a tendency to curl behind the contact and the vet chiro found she had become very tight through her hyoid muscle (back of throat, attached to tongue).
Tried a bomber happy tongue and the difference is unbelievable. 6 weeks later and her hyoid has loosened, as have shoulders (which can tighten if hyoid is tight) and she is taking the contact forwards and not curling back. I used to notice that in canter she would head toss in the myler, but this has also stopped.

The only problem is I have less control out hacking don’t fast work, so need to re-think a bit for that.

bomber do a happy tongue Pelham which we use for parties/fast work.

 

[Fluffypiglet]

Egg butt sides instead of loose ring and horse doesn't like metal. Rubber snaffle, nathe type things all tried and definitely prefers non metal straight bar type bit. Was in a turtle top for a while whilst I was persevering with metal bits. We are now in a winderen gel bit which is much better and although expensive it's chew proof. ??