Question for the folks that break and make youngsters

AdorableAlice

AdorableAlice

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Which bit do you all prefer for the first mouthing experience ? It has been a lot of years since I mouthed a horse and the key bit I used is still hanging on the wall. It looks so old fashioned now but it did it's job all those years ago. Do you use a key bit or maybe a straight nathe snaffle ?
 
I still use a key bit if it fits, if not, I'll often use a straight Happy Mouth for real babies or a linked loose ring snaffle for something older. Whatever fits and what they're happiest with for me, who cares that it's old fashioned, remember how many good horses you used it for and how they turned out IMHO.
 
At work they still use bits with keys. I used a ordinary snaffle as it was all I had and he seemed quite happy and chilled in it.

Is it time to break Ted? (sorry if that's a ridiculous question, I cant think how old he is!)
 
I use different bits, usually starting with a straight rubber nathe or happy mouth but find most are happy with a simple french link with cheeks to start proper mouthing as there is more to play with and they are less bulky in the mouth, the ones with copper links or a roller work for some as do the sweet iron.
 
Haven't used a bit with keys for years - these days I use a plain old french link, haven't had one that wasn't happy in it as a first bit. I would probably try something rubbery or with rollers if I had one that didn't get on with the french link.
 
I used a fairly thin French link, but with the lozenge/pillow-type thingme in the middle. That was all I had (it used to belong to my QH, who had a small mouth and didn't like the fat French links, which is what my Shire-cross has) and it worked well, but I would have bought a rubbery one or one with rollers if it hadn't.
 
poiuytrewq said:
At work they still use bits with keys. I used a ordinary snaffle as it was all I had and he seemed quite happy and chilled in it.

Is it time to break Ted? (sorry if that's a ridiculous question, I cant think how old he is!)
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No, he is only just 2, as is Alice. They are both very well mannered in their head collars and if I think they might be a handful I use my trusty old rope halter under their head collars. I just had a bit of a tack room shuffle today and found the breaking gear, which then made me look at the key bit and start to think if any of the gear will fit Ted.
 
A double jointed (think French link) with a lozenge, copper mix as opposed to steel... I find this does the job really well.
 
i love NS starter bit... it depends on the horses mouth but i start with a bit that the horse is going to work in- im not keen on chopping and changing. I only use NS snaffles now they seem to be accepted so readily.
 
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