Ideal starter bit for a shetland

[4leggedfurries]

Finally tonight after much hooo harring, I got an approx measurement of the midgets mouth, its 4.25" max 4.5", bless him his mouth is as diddy as him. So was wondering what would be suitable, I dont want anything harsh, but know all the shetlands I've seen have quite strong bits. Also I assume as the bit gets smaller I take it the mouthpiece gets thinner too? Thankies!

Just to add, at the moment I will only be long reining him aroung the field.

 

[Umbongo]

If you are just starting him out then a plain loose ring snaffle

 

[teddyt]

I would advise a french link bradoon. And check the thickness. I have found that bradoons can be thinner in the joints than the same size version of the same bit that isnt a bradoon (if that makes sense). Some bits of that size still have quite big joints, which will hurt a little mouth.

I actually ended up having a couple of lozenge bits made to my requirements because i couldnt find a small enough mouth piece/joints. Although neue schule do a pony range and i now have one of those (loose ring lozenge)

 

[Stinkbomb]

Why not try just a plain old rubber snaffle??

Try here for small bits.....http://www.tackandturnout.co.uk/epa...ops/jr29kctxxscu/Categories/15_Bits__Stirrups

 

[teddyt]

Why not try just a plain old rubber snaffle??

Theyre too fat for many horses- let alone a shetland!

 

[Stinkbomb]

Theyre too fat for many horses- let alone a shetland!

Not the ones from Dinky rugs on the link i attached. they are perfect, i have one myself for my mini shetland!

edited to say, sorry i didnt mean to sound patronising. im just used to shopping for midgets

 

[teddyt]

Do you mean the nylon one on the first page or the rubber one on the 2nd page?

I HATE the nylon in hand bits with a passion! They are the wrong shape and really uncomfortable. I had a brass ringed lozenge bit made rather than make my ponies (standards) suffer that when showing in hand!

I also think the rubber one still looks too thick? And i dont really like single joints either, especially in a small mouth. Any contact and the joint goes straight into the palate, even more so with a fatter mouthpiece.

Im sure your pony is comfortable or you wouldnt be using it but personally i prefer thinner double jointed bits because i find it suits my ponies mouth conformation much better.

 

[Stinkbomb]

I use the one on the second page. They really are thin. I appreciate they dont look it but they are Ive never tried the double jointed ones TBH as ive only ever used it for long reining. Ty is more of a field ornament at the moment so havent used it for ages and Inky hasnt, and never will, have a bit in his mouth!

 

[teddyt]

as with any bit you have to look in the mouth and then try it and if its comfortable for the pony then great, whatever it is

 

[4leggedfurries]

Thanks for the advice guys, really appreciate it. Shall have a look at all the ones mentioned.

 

[fallenangel123]

I tend to go for the magic bits, (straight bar, tounge port, loose rings) they come in all the tiny sizes. All of mine seem comfortable in them.