First bit - which one?

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Beatrice5

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I am starting my little 3 yo New Forest and am pondering on which bit to start him with.

He has a thick tounge so a happy mouth seems a bit of a mouthful. I don't want any sharp action and feel snaffles are or can be quite severe with the old nut kracker action. I haven't used and Neule Schelue or Myler snaffles myself yet but have heard good things about them but are very expensive when trying out to see what the horse likes.

What do you start your youngsters off with? Metal just seems so cold and heavy but ruber too thick ......!? Confused.
 
I have started my 4 yr old in a salox bit. Its warm and he mouths nicely in it. He isnt backed yet but has been shown inhand since a yearling so is uesed to bits. Its a nue schule with the angled central nugget.
 
What about a little mullen mouth snaffle - that would get rid of the nutcracker action (which I dont like either) plus would be a kinder shape for his little mouth?
 
I am not starting my horse but I am looking for a bit thats kind for a horse with a big tongue, small mouth and have come across a JP curved snaffle, that claims to have a reduced nutcracker action! I will probably buy the jointed version, but thought I should let you know about it! I like Mylers as well.
 
Friend of mine had a happy mouth straight bar, she found that the mare learnt to lean on it and is in a jointed cheeked snaffle now. Found she is much better and steers too. I think its very much trial and error, something that suits some is wrong for others. If you can borrow some first and see how they get on, its a lot cheaper.
 
I used a jointed fulmer snaffle with the keys to mouth my new forest, hes got a fab mouth on him doesnt pull, or rely on it at all, hes very respective of the bit, he rides with an egbutt now and is super in it for all disciplines hes just turned 5 and going very well, and im not the best of riders ;)
I think id always go for a fulmer first off to help start with the turning etc
 
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