Eggbutt vs. Loose ring

D

Dizzle

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 September 2008
Messages
2,303
Visit site
Originally started my boy off in a loose ring French link snaffle (as you do with all ex-racers) then was advised to go for a full cheek for better steering when jumping, accidentally bought the Eggbutt and not sure if it’s psychological but he seems to go much better in it, will accept a contact or indeed listen to me when I ask for an outline and has fabulous brakes out hacking in it.

So, how much of a difference is there really between the loose ring and the eggbutt? How do they work differently, I know that they can’t lean on the loose ring as much but apart from that no idea.

Answers on a postcard please!
 
my mare prefers an eggbutt too, slightly less movement just seems to help her feel a bit more confident in the contact and settle better. Seemingly tiny things sometimes make the biggest difference!
 
I agree with the above, my girl went soooo much better in a fixed cheek bit than the loose ring. I found that the more 'fixed' feeling made her much more stable and soft in the mouth.
 
my mare hated a loose ring - far happier in the more secure/fixed feeling of an eggbutt - was like night and day with her :)
 
Quote" Originally started my boy off in a loose ring French link snaffle (as you do with all ex-racers) ... "

Personally think the French Link is one of worst bits to start an ex-racehorse in!
 
Toby773 said:
Quote" Originally started my boy off in a loose ring French link snaffle (as you do with all ex-racers) ... "

Personally think the French Link is one of worst bits to start an ex-racehorse in!
Click to expand...

Just a query, why is it one of the worst bits?
All the ex racers I've known happily accept a french link and prefer it to other moutpieces.
 
My experience has been the complete opposite; perhaps you have been more fortunate not to have horses that have been difficult to bit.

I don't like French Links anyway but not for the ex-racehorse as suddenly having 2 joints in the mouth is just too much for the horse that is not still in the headcarriage to cope with especially if the hands on the ends of the reins are not the quietest. Yes, et rid of the dreaded single joint but far better to go with something like a comfort myler and then transition into a lozenge once the horse an understanding of the aids.

Just my opinion :)
 
Interesting discussion. I started my ex-racer in a regular eggbutt snaffle but switched to a French link after about 4 months or so. She was fine in the single jointed snaffle but much better in the French link. I never used a loose ring on her so have no comparison there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top