Continental French Link Gag & Happy mouth gag...

[Gucci_b]

Any thoughts or experiences on these bit's.. or why did you use these. thanks

http://www.shop4bits.com/item--Continental-French-Link-Gag--continental-french-link-gag.html

Or this bit

http://www.shop4bits.com/item--Happy-Mouth-3-Ring-Dutch-Gag-With-Revolver-Centre--HM3gagrev.html

 

[cazmoreton]

Used a continential french link with my old 12.2hh pony when i was younger, he was crazily strong(as in fully grown riding instructor couldnt stop him) out doing some things but some days he was quite happy to plod around being an angel, so we had it so we could change holes using the lower holes for hunting, hacking and XC but for schooling leadrein put it on the snaffle hole.
Never used the Happy mouth.

 

[Elle123]

LOVE THE HAPPY MOUTH! I have my girl in the 4 ring currently but am picking up her new 3 ring today. Brilliant bit. Soft when u don't need it but when you need the brakes you have them. The pole pressure help get the head in and control and the independent action means that even when they lean you have a way to control (if that makes sense!) also my mare is very funny in her mouth and doesn't like the normal stainless steel bits so much. so this is PERFECT! best bit i have tried. It will even hold my friends big bolshy ISH mare!
Hope it helps
Elle
x

 

[Pink_Pampas]

Used the happy mouth version as well - scooling on the snaffle ring and SJ/XC on the second ring, very useful.

 

[hellybelly6]

It depends on what you require the bit to do.

In general, the French link as good as it is puts a bit of pressure on the tongue due to its curvy shape. The lozenge link gives less tongue pressure as it is a uniform shape all round and it will encourage salivation with it revolving.

I have known happy mouth bits to cause horses with dry mouths to chaff.

Having said that, if I could get a HM bit big enough for my horse, I would ride him in one.

If you horse is sensitive mouthed, but leans on the bit a little, I would recommend the HM.