My bit...

[Floxie]

I want to understand the bit my horse came with, so I can better judge whether it's the best choice for him. I was just leaving things as they were (if it ain't broke don't fix it!) but I suppose that doesn't mean things couldn't be better suited to him, or his needs haven't changed since I got him! That said, I'm happy to leave it alone if people don't think it's really worth trying something else.

He's in a Happy Mouth hanging cheek, something like this - only the middle part is metal and jointed centrally so each side swivels (can't find a picture).

He doesn't have any problems as such - if anything, if I forget to relax and tense up on the reins, he hollows and runs off - though I wonder if that's just natural cause and effect rather than anything to do with the bit!

Any thoughts? Does it sound like I might get away with trying lighter, or different bits (and if so, what?!) - something that leaves the poll alone? Or does it sound like there isn't enough of an issue to start messing with it? I just wonder cos he came in a fashionable flash, too, which he didn't need, so I wonder what else could be adjusted to make our sailing smoother

Thank you!

 

[Lolo]

His current bit isn't doing anything to his poll (no more than any other snaffle will). The hanging cheek helps provide stability of the bit in the mouth, hence why so many horses go better in them. It's a really gentle bit

 

[Floxie]

Ah! I'd thought the cheeks would cause a bit of leverage, but I see - the reins can still move on the rings so that doesn't happen. I guess the jointey-swivelyness of it makes it softer too?

Thanks

 

[Pearlsasinger]

The only problem I can think of is that sometimes Happy Mouth bits are esy to chew and so become roughened quite quickly, you might need to renew it fairly often. Otherwise, just remember to relax and all will be well.

 

[Floxie]

Cheers - I'd read that somewhere, but his is still smooth - mind you I had a good chew on it myself and couldn't taste a thing so perhaps it's a dodgy one

Is good to know - don't want to think I'm using unneccessary gadgetry just because it's what came with him, rather than it being thought out!

*goes off to work on deep-breathing excercises*