Happy Mouth bits

[BethandHenry]

I ride Henry in a happy mouth 3 ring dutch gag, and I have had to replace it numerous times because of the rubber being chewed away, causing the mouthpiece to split. Would changing Henry's bit to the metal version of his current one make any difference?

 

[nicnag]

I had a similar problem with one I had for my old horse, I found the problem was sorted with a metal version and no sharp edges meant no cut mouth so everyone was happier all round!

 

[helenandshadow]

Well obviously he wouldn't be able to chew through metal so you wouldn't have to keep replacing it, but why does he have a happy mouth - is it because he doesn't like metal?
You could try one of the new copper alloy bits (Neue Schule etc.) which are supposed to be warmer than stainless steel, they are quite expensive but would probably work out cheaper than keeping replacing his happy mouth.
I haven't used one myself though so I'm sure someone who has can tell you more about them.

 

[airedale]

yes it would
I use the bit wrap material for one of mine that is 'happy' in a happy mouth french link but does chew the plastic

the bit wrap is cheap and also lasts a long time and leave the horse happy with a plastic bit

 

[BethandHenry]

Well tbh I'm not sure why he has a happy mouth bit since I've never tried him in anything else! When I bought him he came with tack and I didn't see the point in changing the bit when he seemed happy with it, I just hate how they split, it must be uncomfortable for him.