Help which bit

[jollyponies]

my 4 yr old welsh x nf is going to be sent away in the spring to be schooled on he has had the basics done with him, but he is in a eggbutt snaffle and im finding him so light in the mouth when long reining him that i think it is to much for him, what is a really nice light bit i could use on him,

any help would be great, thank you

 

[madhector]

Personally I would swap it for a french link/lozange type snaffle and see how he is in that, I wouldn't start playing about with rubber/happy mouth type bits at this stage as he will hopefully learn to take the contact in a metal bit. The french link is a much kinder bit to start a youngster in, the lozange types are my personal favorites.

 

[jollyponies]

thank you, i will get on for him and see how he goes.

 

[Spot_the_Risk]

Another vote for a french link type snaffle.

 

[christine48]

My 3 yr old is in a straight bar nathe. At this stage you want to encourage them to take a contact so use a mild bit if possible. Definately would not use a single jointed bit at this stage. Myler bits are kind for youngsters too.

 

[KatB]

Depends on mouth conformation to be honest. Nathe straight bars are lovely, but equally a lozenged cheeked snaffle can be a nice started bit....singkle jointed arent ideal for "welshy" types anyway as they ofen have a low palate and the bit can interfere with theroof of their mouths. Are a result mullen mouth or "double jointed" options are alot kinda

The prob with lozenged or linked snaffles though are that they *can* encourage a tongue over the bit with a young horse as they can sit lower in the mouth....

 

[Persephone]

I vote for a lozenge.. Much gentler than a french link. Try laying them both over your forearm and pulling. It's a huge difference!