Following on from harsh bit, which is the kindest bit?

I dont think any bit is kind in the wrong hands but if I wanted something really mild i`d for a simple french link, I awlays use one on a youngster
 
Well I'm sure some people will say no bit at all! But I do think what is the kindest bit for one horse won't be the kindest bit for another, as different horses have different mouths and tongues. So it is a case of finding a bit which is most comfortable for the individual horse, and what is mild and comfy for one won't necessarily be the same for his stable mate.
 
As my trainer says, its not the bit, its the hands that are on the other end of it.

IMO it is preferable to have the lightest bit that's needed for the situation; but often you're better having a stronger bit with a lighter touch, then vice versa - there's nothing worse than a horse leaning on the bit and pulling the rider's arms out when really it would be better in something stronger which it will respect.

With mine, I have the following: a Happy Mouth snaffle with cheek-pieces, with a lozenge in the middle, used mainly for hacking/light work; a Cottage Craft sweet iron jointed snaffle with lozenge in the middle, again with cheek-pieces as he can be a nappy little git. This bit I use for hacking/general work; then I've got a French Link Rugby pelham which he seems to go well in and likes. We don't use this very often but he has worn it out hunting with two reins. Plus I've got a Waterford, again with built up cheeks - necessary as he's started leaning on the bit so this is to deal with that, intended as a short-term but shall keep it in the armoury for the future.

Of all the bits, he seems to go best in the Waterford - I've heard people say its a "no-no", a really severe bit, but also heard the opposite, that a lot of horses can tolerate it whereas they can't a snaffle. My horse seems to go really nicely in it; respects it, yes, but is really soft in the hand and light on the forehand.
 
I agree the bit is only as harsh as the hand on the reins.

Mind are in a french link snaffle (Captain) and a mullen mouth pelham (Fany)
Looking to change Fany's to a french link snaffle but she is still inclined to have issues about brakes and steering when out for a canter. Wouldn't believe a draft horse could be like that! She is not dangerous, just enthusiastic.

FDC
 
Fany Du Champ said:
I agree the bit is only as harsh as the hand on the reins.

Mind are in a french link snaffle (Captain) and a mullen mouth pelham (Fany)
Looking to change Fany's to a french link snaffle but she is still inclined to have issues about brakes and steering when out for a canter. Wouldn't believe a draft horse could be like that! She is not dangerous, just enthusiastic.

FDC
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Actually, one of the harshest bitting combination is the ordinary single jointed snaffle when combined with a drop, flash or grackle noseband. I am not talking about the single jointed bits that are curved so that they don't hit the roof of the mouth, just the plain old loose ring or eggbut single jointed snaffle. They are just torture devices when teamed with a tight flash. And most people will think they are the mildest bit going. Not true.

You can get single jointed bits that are curved around the tongue and they are fine. Also french links are fine.

As for the softest bit, that has to be a rubber unjointed snaffle. However, these can be too thick for some horses and make them uncomfortable. All horses are different.

If I didn't compete in dressage, then I would probably go bitless. I do now, if I can. My horses have all gone well both bitless and bitted, but on balance I think they are far happier without anything in their mouths.
 
Whichever bit the horse is most comfortable in and can be used with the lightest contact. I much prefer to find a bit that the horse is comfortable in whichever it may be than strap its mouth **** and make it accept the one I think it should have.

And whilst I hate single jointed bits with a vengeance I disagree that they hit the roof of the mouth, think about the logistics of it, unless you're sat under the horses chin pulling the reins down how can it? Backward pressure on the reins if you have a straight line from bit to elbow would collapse the bit in the middle pinching the tongue and lips but can't flip the bit through 90 degrees into the roof of the mouth. I do still detest them though!
 
maggiesmum said:
Whichever bit the horse is most comfortable in and can be used with the lightest contact. I much prefer to find a bit that the horse is comfortable in whichever it may be than strap its mouth **** and make it accept the one I think it should have.

And whilst I hate single jointed bits with a vengeance I disagree that they hit the roof of the mouth, think about the logistics of it, unless you're sat under the horses chin pulling the reins down how can it? Backward pressure on the reins if you have a straight line from bit to elbow would collapse the bit in the middle pinching the tongue and lips but can't flip the bit through 90 degrees into the roof of the mouth. I do still detest them though!
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:confused: The roof of the mouth is right there in the elbow/hand/bit line!
 
Definitely a French Link as it avoids the nutcracker action, but in the wrong hands any bit's harsh. I totally agree about the simple snaffle and flash/grackle: tying a horse's mouth shut so that a 'mild' bit can hit the roof of the mouth is in no way kind!

We have an enthusiast horse at the yard who I ride a lot: he's in a French Link, but I've found recently that taking a check with him works much better than applying a more constant pressure to ask for less speed or a down-transition. I can't believe it's the same seemingly brake-free horse that I've ridden before!
 
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