Percheron cross, what sort of bit do you use in larger breeds?

[hillbilly]

Hi, I was hoping your collective knowledge will help me make some informed purchases bit wise, rather than wasting money left right and centre!!
My new is a 16hh mare, by a Canadian Percheron stallion and out of a TB cross Shire mare. She looks more like a well built hunter than anything else, but has big feet and her bridle is extra large and bit wise she is 6in in a fixed ring and 6.5 in a loose ring.
She is not particularly happy in anything I have been able to beg off people to try. The list of bits tried:
French link in fixed and loose ring
Single jointed loose ring
Fixed cheek fat lozenge
I don't have any other bits that will fit, so obviously will have to buy some - does this sort of horse have particular mouth conformation that needs taking into consideration? Would a mullen mouth be the way to go, or different materials? I don't want to waste money!
She can be heavy, but not unduly so and this will improve with fitness and schooling. Just would like to end the obvious displeasure and excessive frothing. Having to ride long reined like a cowboy everywhere!
Teeth have been checked last week - massive, but no hooks or sharp edges!!
Thank in advance for any shared wisdom!

 

[MrsNorris]

Definitely try unjointed bits for her, many heavy types (my own included) have a big thick tongue combined with a relatively low palette, which can make jointed bits, especially single jointed, pretty uncomfortable. My horse won't tolerate joints of any kind and goes best in a Hilary Vernon Symmetry bit, but he also likes any Mullen mouth as long as it's not too thick. Really though it will probably involve a fair bit of trial and error to find the perfect one.
Try the bit bank too, cheaper than buying them outright if you need to try a few types.

 

[hollyandivy123]

Had a similar problem found a myler Mullen helped a lot, smooth in the mouth but independent movement as well

 

[Sukistokes2]

I have my Clyde in a double jointed snaffle. Tried the myler with the Mullen, OK, but prefers the double jointed snaffle. In the end I think it will be trial and error........horses for courses really.

 

[Wagtail]

She probably needs some tongue relief. Are you wanting anything dressage legal? If not, I would try some ported bits. Bomber bits are really good and so are neue schule. Look for a thin, rather than chunky mouthpiece. Some companies such as the bit bank allow you to trial bits and return those that don't work for you.

 

[hillbilly]

Thank you for your replies - much food for thought. As I have tried double jointed with no apparent success (which initially surprised me) and the not so surprising dislike of the single jointed bit, I think I will have to try the mullen route - anything to have a happy horse! Eventually would like to try a little dressage with her, to show the poncy types that big girls can move!

 

[hillbilly]

Hi Wagtail, I had just been looking at the bomber bits - they do look good, and could be used 99%of the time when we weren't attempting dressage! Why would such mild curved tongue relief not be dressage legal - they offer no competative advantage surely, other than a happier horse?

 

[jsprince]

I ride my percherons in one of these a sweet iron Tom Thumb https://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/p_781_sweet-iron-copper-tom-thumb-tom-thumb-bit

They drive in either military reversible or butterfly Mullen Pelham .

 

[YorksG]

Sister's current Draught mare is in a NS with two reins, previous Clyde went very well in a PeeWee bit, excellent for fat tongues and wide mouths

 

[antigone]

Another vote for Myler bits. My maxi cob liked the low port comfort snaffle MB04 mouthpiece in a hanging cheek. I had to get a 6 1/2" made for him. The mullen mouthpieces are MB32, MB06 (same as MB04 but without the collapse) and MB33 (ported) but you might struggle to get some in a 6" - depends on the cheek you need. I would say essential to hire first - other cob hated the Myler and is in Neue Schule but she doesn't have such a big tongue. Also some of the Mylers seem to come up big - about 1/4" bigger than the stated size except for the MB32 which was bang on 6". The MB32 (and now the MB04, I think) is dressage legal.

 

[Wagtail]

Hi Wagtail, I had just been looking at the bomber bits - they do look good, and could be used 99%of the time when we weren't attempting dressage! Why would such mild curved tongue relief not be dressage legal - they offer no competative advantage surely, other than a happier horse?

I find many of the dressage rules concerning tack extremely frustrating. Indeed why should a ported snaffle not be allowed when a double bridle with port is? And now they are even allowing grackle nosebands it appears.