Recommendations for a bit needed!!

[Sharonr]

My guy, who has not been ridden for about a year, is currently being prepared to be ridden again.

I put on his bridle tonight with the snaffle bit that I used to ride him in previously.

However, whilst it may just be that he's not actually had a bit in his mouth for a year, he just seemed quite not right with it. He kept trying to chew on it. He didn't settle until I had removed it.

Should I continue and hope that he settles to it or is there another bit that anyone recommends that may be more suitable?

 

[kerilli]

is it single or double joint? most horses are comfier in a double-joint (e.g. with a lozenge in the middle) imho. or, try a rubber snaffle, nathe or happy mouth if you want something milder.
if he's not had a bit in for that long though, it might just take him a while to get used to the feel of it again.

 

[Sharonr]

It's a single joint.

Don't want to put him in something too mild as you tend to lose control of him. Tried him in a happy mouth previously and had no brakes!

Do you reckon a french link may be a better option?

 

[gails]

Mine much prefers a french link, it is well worth a try, before he retired he also liked the change to a pelham

 

[Olivio]

Hey!

I have a box of various snaffles in my barn, I can leave a pile in the tackroom if you like?

Lx

 

[Sharonr]

Hey Olivio!!!!!

That would be great then I can see what suits the man the best!

Fantastic photo of you and B at the beach!!!

 

[Olivio]

Ha ha, I knew we would cross on here one day!! I'll bring them up tomorrow and leave them in my wooden box. I'm using my loose ring french link on B just now but I'm working at Fife show on Sat so you can try it whilst I'm away! You could also try Sock's cheeked FL.

What a day we had at the beach! got loads of picks of him in the sea.

 

[Sharonr]

Your right, this is fun!!

B is such a good boy. He gives everything a go, doesn't he!!

Ok, will try it on Saturday. It's difficult to know though since I'm not actually riding him yet. Still waiting on Stirlingshire to phone me to get him fitted for a new saddle, despite phoning to chase them. Will probably end up going to Kay Hastilow.

But it's always worth a try to see if he is a bit happier in something else. As I said, could just be that he's not had anything in his mouth for a year so could be just a matter of time til he gets used to it.

Heard Oatridge is full. Did you get in or going to try somewhere else?

 

[Olivio]

I would always go to Kay she's not cheap but you get what you pay for.

My name is on the list for Oatridge so I think that's means I'm in, not 100% sure how the ballotting bit works though. Just keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[Sharonr]

Will keep my fingers crossed for you and B too!!

Will maybe try Kay tomorrow. Can you believe that I actually phoned Stirlingshire last year and still haven't got an appointment!! Have chased them up 3 times now. They must be doing pretty well for themselves that they can choose to ignore business!!