First bit... opinions on this please?

[Spyda]

I put this on my 2½ year old this morning. First bit she's had on since being shown in a small mullen mouth showing bit as a yearling. It was a tad small so I am about to buy a 6 inch for her, but thought I'd get opinions from the more experienced of you as to whether this is the best to use or if something else might be better?

I've read on here that some people have found these bits wear easily and can rub. Wouldn't want that, obviously. That said, she's not keen on metal work in her mouth and seems to prefer the plastic bit at this stage. Not sure whether to bite the bullet (excuse the pun

) and get her used to a metal bit now, or keep mouthing her in something like this for the time being.

Was considering this as a possible alternative?
Link

 

[Bowen4Horses]

i din't know anything about first bits... but i wouldn't put my 7yr old in a 'happy mouth' because they get sharp bits on them with even the smallest amount of chewing, and also rub mouths...

however, millions of people swear by them.

i think bits made out of softer/warmer metal are better than scratchy plastic personally. my horse hates 'normal' metal but will accept anything with high copper content.

good luck! sorry i'm no help!

 

[eggs]

I use the same bit to start our youngsters although they tend not to stay it in for that long (max six weeks). I really like having the arms as it helps no end with the steering and stops the bit getting pulled though their mouth.

I have not had a problem with rough or sharp bits appearing on a Hapy Mouth bit although a lot of people on the forum do seem to have this problem.

One of my youngsters is still in a Happy Mouth as he is very fussy with a metal bit (strangely enough his moher was the same) but the others are in Neue Schule and all go really well in them.

 

[air78]

We start all the horses in a KK Ultra loose ring lozenge snaffle..... they all seem to go well in it, and accept it readily