Happy mouth bits

[debsflo]

Have just bought a horse who is used to a Happy mouth bit so plan to use this at least initially so as not to change too much. I've never used one but assume they are quite kind. Am I right. ?

 

[Equine_Dream]

They are so far as any bit used correctly can be. There are pros and cons to all types of bits obviously but in general terms these are one of the "kindest" bits. My 5yo mare is ridden in a happy mouth straight bar full cheek snaffle and goes lovely in it. Equally my gelding is ridden in a happy mouth double jointed snaffle. He came to me with a full cheek single jointed egg butt snaffle but every time he was asked to do a transition he would fling his head up in the air. He had previously been ridden by whip happy kids so I assumed it was from heavy handed rider's nut cracking his mouth. He goes beautifully in his new bit

 

[Echo24]

I introduced a happy mouth on my youngster when we backed him and he hated it. I got it as it's the one most people recommend but went with a loose ring double jointed snaffle which he was much happier in. Depends on the horse but my boy has a thick tongue and low palate so he needed something less bulky.

 

[Nudibranch]

I use straight mouth amd double jointed HMs and they seem to be preferred to their metal counterparts, certainly better for backing as they can't bang their teeth when introducing the bridle. I don't use single jointed bits.

 

[Merlod]

I started my boy in a happy mouth (peanut joint loose ring) it got chewed up pretty quickly so starting work I moved to metal. I think metal is actually better, less friction and chances or rubs and sores.

 

[Pinkvboots]

I tried a happy mouth on one of my horses and it made his mouth bleed but my mare was ridden in one for years and was fine.