'kindest' bits...and a 'bit' update

[Hemirjtm]

for you what is the 'kindest' bit around? I know a lot depends on the riders hands...I jsut wondered what you thought

You probably all know about my bit problems with Hemir, what doesn't work for him, then seemed to work, and now doesnt etc...etc!!! Well having started with a Pelham

today I rode him in a loose ring straight bar happy mouth snaffle and he went the best he has ever been with any of the other bits!!! I had brakes when cantering, he seemed to be using his back end better and by the end he was working in an 'outline' in walk and trot....I think i may have found a bit that suits us both.....will have to wait and see

 

[druid]

Depends on the horse's mouth - something with a big thick tongue might find a mullen bit torture while a low palette would make anything ported highly uncomfortable...

For a one size fits all approach I usually go with an eggbutt double jointed snaffle with a lozenge link

 

[TiaPony]

'the strength of a horses bit is in his riders hands' i do think that when a horse is in a stronger bit for whatever reason, riders assume they need to be stronger with the horse and lean on their hands a bit which can cause adverse reactions. back to basics is often best, as i'm sure you've noticed. tia is in a lozenge (french link) loose ring snaffle - it is a very kind bit IMO
x

 

[exracemad]

My horse used to have a very sensetive mouth due to previous rider, but was quite strong. And i am light on my hands, as i was taught to always respect the horses mouth. But i found a nathe bit worked wonders with him, and i always (minus one time) had brakes.

 

[Skhosu]

frnch link snaffle is kind to me