Peanut/lozenge

[amzy]

Does a bit with a peanut do the same as a bit with a lozenge or do they work differently? Would an ordinary French link do or are these other bits better do you think?

 

[spaniel]

A french link and a peanut or a lozenge are totally different. In the french link there is nothing to stop the nutcracker action of the joint but with a lozenge and to a lesser degree a peanut, there is a physical breaking mechanism to the nutcracker action. The peanut and the lozenge are kinder on the tongue although once you get into the realms of the angle of the different lozenges it starts to get more complicated.

IME an anatomical mouthpiece with a lozenge is much kinder to the horse and probably more effective than a standard french link snaffle.

 

[amzy]

Thankyou. I will look for one with a lozenge then. I actually thought that a french link did stop the nutcracker action. I've decided to change my straight bar Happy mouth as I feel it's too thick for my cob X but he's only 5 and still want something mild.

 

[flyingfeet]

To add to this - peanuts and lozenges also flop about less in the mouth, as especially in the case of a lozenge it is physically held still by the shape of the bit.

Sometimes a flopping french link can really irritate a horse.

 

[Janette]

Star hates a French Link - but is quite happy with a lozenge.

 

[Persephone]

I can vouch for this! Today I laid a french link snaffle over my forearm and pulled. OMG it really hurt! Pinched hard and left a mark for ages. I hate to think of that on Star's tongue. The lozenge kind of rolled over, no pain at all. I am convinced for sure!

Jo x