french link snaffle vs happy mouth jointed for 2 year old

[welshied]

Full cheek french link snaffle vs happy mouth full cheek jointed mouth bit for my 2 year old to teach him basics from ground and bit him he has already had a mouthing bit with keys in but when trying to teach him to turn from ground it pulls through his mouth so which one will be softest and nicest for him?

 

[lochpearl]

The french link is kinder as it has no nut cracker action, but the happy mouth will be softer. It depends on whether your horse is ok with just the one joint or two. I must say I always use a rubber d ring snaffle and then progress into a rubber full cheek and none of mine have had a problem with it.

 

[Three]

I prefer a normal french link.

Tend to use a fulmer at backing for a few weeks until they get steering sorted in their heads!

 

[Theresa_F]

My chap had a copper peanut link full cheek snaffle as his starter bit for long reining etc and it was also his first bit when he was backed.

He very much liked this bit and I personally prefer a copper mouth piece to the happy mouth types on my horses - they seem to prefer copper more.

 

[gails]

My boy came with his issues and was in a happy mouth, I changed to a french link snaffle, changing occasionally to a pelham. He was much better with this combo, but I suppose it depends on the horse, there are bit libraries, why not try that until you find what your child likes

 

[teddyt]

French link much better than a single joint. Less likely to pinch the tongue and stick in the palate