Should I consider using a flash or a change of bit?

[Ginn]

Personally I like to keep tack as simple and basic as possible and have a hatred of anything other than a nice caverson and simple snaffle unless it is really needed (obviously different bits and nosebands have a purpose).

BUT Tilly sucessfully put her tongue over the bit yesterday - only the once but its not a habit I want establishing.

I was going to invest in a nice "smart" bridle for her for her birthday (in May - sad and soppy I know but "granny" has agreed to go halves) and I am wondering whether I should consider a flash noseband or stick to my preferences, buy the bridle I want and invest in a matching flash attachment to call on if needed.

Mum said to knock it on the head before it becomes habit and if necessary use a cheap flash bridle for everyday but I don't know

she has only done it the once....

Oh, and she has a straight bar happy mouth loose ring snaffle, correctly fitted (2 wrinkles either side) and has always seemed very happy with it but my other thought was maybe a different bit - something with a roller or lozenge perhaps?

 

[Bossanova]

I'm not a happymouth fan at all.
I like to ride babies in a loose ring lozenge snaffle, got more tongue room and havent found one that hasnt liked it yet. If you want to stick with soft, try a bendy rubber snaffle or a nathe.

I wouldnt go down the flash route yet, it wont stop the tongue going over unless tight and you dont want it tight on a baby.

 

[Ginn]

[ QUOTE ]
I wouldnt go down the flash route yet, it wont stop the tongue going over unless tight and you dont want it tight on a baby.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well that was my thinking too...

Only went for the happymouth as it seemed like a sensible transition from the rubber straight bar with started her in. What about something like this:

 

[Bossanova]

Yep thats the one, my choice every time

 

[Weezy]

Absolutely 100% agree with Boss *baaaaah*

 

[Ginn]

Sorted then, neue schule lozenge bit on the shopping list. Will also give their helpline a ring as I have no idea what thickness piece and sized rings would be best...

 

[wonkey_donkey]

I find straight bar bits the worst for horses getting their tongues over. Defo recommended the above. PS, If you are saving up for a nice bridle see the post on general re Frogpool Manor's mega sale on Kieffer (sp) bridles!

 

[MillionDollar]

Ditto Boss, they're fantastic.

 

[KatB]

Try the neue schule starter bit.... more tongue room. G still styicks his tongue over the bit, but is less inclined with his NS....

 

[Theresa_F]

I have very similar to this - copper bit - cheapy from shop for bits on ebay. Chancer goes very well in it. Have you tried taking the cheek pieces up one hole so the bit sits a little higher in the mouth - I did this with Chancer - not so that he is "smiling" but an extra wrinkle in the corner. This and the change of bit has meant he has not done it since.

Personally I would only use a flash as a last resort and not on a youngster.

 

[not_with_it]

I would do the same as Theresa. If she continues to do this then just adjust the bit so that it sits higher in her mouth. It will be harder for her to get her tongue over it and once she is back to normal you can drop it down again.
It is normal for youngsters to have a play around with their mouths so unless this becomes regular then I wouldnt worry too much about it.

 

[PapaFrita]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm not a happymouth fan at all.

[/ QUOTE ]
Why? I mean, just for babies or generally? I think they're brilliant (straight bar ones) but probably because PF goes really well in them.
Also, wouldn't it be easier for a horse to put its tongue over a bit with a joint than a straight one because of how the joint will lie lower in the mouth?
Just curious! Not challenging you or nowt

 

[kick_On]

good choice