First proper bit for a youngster?

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almrc

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My youngster is 3yrs 6 months. She has previously had a little rubber bit in, an in hand bit and took this well. However, she grew out of this a little while back and I am just wondering, what bit should I use on her as her first 'proper' bit? I'm not backing her until she is 4 but would like her to get used to the feeling of a bit again.

Oh and whats the best material for it to be made from?

Thank you :D
 
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plain eggbutt snaf?? That's what I always use on my youngsters?? If they don't like just keep swapping through snaffles, i.e. french link?? Just idea :)
 
I think it's personal preference. Some people will start ridden work in a happy mouth or rubber mouthpiece as this is softer and possibly more comfortable. I also know people who always start with a standard stainless steel bit (thinking that if they're going to end up in one they may as well get used to it to begin with) but there are lots of 'warmer' metals available now that horses seem to like. The conformation of her mouth with have a bearing too - if she has quite a small mouth a thin metal mouthpiece will probably be more comfortable than a thick rubber one. Most people will start with a french link or lozenge as the double joint is more comfortable but some horses prefer a straight mouthpiece so you may need to experiment a little.

If you do go down the rubber/happy mouth route I'd recommend looking for one with a metal centre for ridden work as some horses (especially youngsters unused to the bit) can chew right through them!
 
Thank you - I have been reading up that french links are softer. She is a TB crossed with Hanoverian and New forest so her mouth is small.
 
My TB had a small mouth and I started her in a french link (loose ring) then found her a bit mouthy and needed guidance for the cornering!!! so I changed to a straight bar happy mouth with full cheek and she has stayed in that occassionally putting on the f.link for jumping (she is now coming 6) :D
 
I used a happy mouth on my youngster to break him in. Just a plain, straight bar snaffle. I wouldnt personally use a metal bit, as i want my horse to accept the bit, as a soft, warm 'apple tasting' item, as apposed to something cold, and jointed. Leaving it as a straight bar reduces them playing with things in there mouth, and lowers the chances of them getting their tongue over the bit, or it did on mine at least! x
 
I like french links with fulmer sides -

The french link is kinder than the traditional snaffle nut cracker action and the long sides help with direction.

See if you can find one with a "sweet metal" mouth - there are a few different types on the market.

Best of luck with you baby.
 
My youngster had a happy mouth loose ring, but it was going through her mouth when she opened the gob to spin round.
she is now in a flash with a full cheek plaiin snaffle and she loves it, she'll stay in this now until the flash comes off and then she'll go onto a french link plain snaffle, but it's great for steering, and it can't slip through the mouth
 
A plain loose ring snaffle made of stainles steel. They need to mouth properly and that's why you must not use an eggbut bit. I have broken and schooled countless horses and ponies and this has never failed me! As they mature into whatever discipline you have in mind, then start thinking about changing it......I still hack one of mine in one now and he is very contented. Good luck with breaking!!
 
Eggbutt bit works fine with my youngster - he mouths really well on it.

I think bitting for a youngster is each to their own IMO and whatever works best, as we know all horses are different!
 
Mine was in a rubber snaffle and then went to a happy mouth before going into a metal snaffle. Happy mouth seemed a good choice for him because it wasnt that different to the rubber one in that it was still slightly thick and not as cold.
 
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