Softest bits on a horses mouth?

what is he in currently and why are you wanting to change. Does it need to be dressage legal? If it doesn't then you could just ditch the bit totally and go bitless - no softer bit than that!
 
He's in a hanging cheek french link, which I've been told is quite soft, however he "chomps" on the bit, and cannot seem to close his mouth. He is also always rasping his teeth on the stable door and walls, ect.
 
There is no "softest bit" it depends upon the conformation of the horse's mouth.

For example a nathe or rubber covered mullen bit could be considered soft but for a horse with a small mouth and a big tongue a thin mouthpiece lozenge or french link would probably be more comfortable.

Generally speaking a mild bit would be either french or lozenge link if it had a joint, or it might be mullen mouthed or flexible like a nathe bit. It would either be eggbut, loose ring, full cheek, d-ring or hanging cheek. Which is most comfortable for the horse would depend upon the horse, some like the stillness of a fulmer with loops or a hanging cheek, others like the movement you get with a loose ring french link.

Generally single joint bits are now considered less comfortable for a horse than a double joint but some horses like them, especially if they have a high palate. There are also ergonomic single joint bits like the demi anky which are mild and comfortable.

I would be wary of happy mouth bits as the hard plastic can get rough with use and make a horse uncomfortable, but they work for some as long as you don't mind replacing them if they get chewed!

Basically I wouldn't be too worried if a horse is comfortable and happy in anything that is dressage legal at lower levels of BD.
 
Qru said:
He's in a hanging cheek french link, which I've been told is quite soft, however he "chomps" on the bit, and cannot seem to close his mouth. He is also always rasping his teeth on the stable door and walls, ect.
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Get his teeth checked first.

Secondly is your bit quite thick in the mouth? Many people use fat bits thinking they are more gentle but they can be uncomfy for a horse with a fleshy mouth or tongue. Maybe try a slimmer mouthpiece with a double joint, perhaps go for a lozenge that is less rattley than a french link too. I would go for something that will give a still feel like your hanging cheek or an eggbut, or fulmer with loops.

You could also try an unjointed bit but I would steer clear of nathe, rubber or plastic if he is a chomper! Go for a metal mullen mouth or vulcanite maybe.

You could consider a myler of some sort but I don't know enough about them to advise.

The sustainable dressage website is good for explanations of how bits work.
 
Yes, he saw the dentist recently and the dentist filed them, I saw a difference in him after the dentists visit but it was short lasting.
Thanks everyone :)
 
Just worth noting if your horse is young, up until the horse is about 6yrs they should see the dentist every 6 months so if its longer than 6 months or coming up to 6 months i'd get the dentist again to be safe.
 
If his teeth are fine & he does the same thing without a bit in I'd be inclined to think it was a behavioral issue rather than a bitting one. Is he young enough to be teething perhaps? Or uneven wear on canines/ wolf teeth if he's ok immediately following dentist visit?
 
Kat said:
There is no "softest bit" it depends upon the conformation of the horse's mouth.
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Totally agree! you need to know how much room there is in your horse's mouth generally and specific shape i.e. low palate, big tongue etc...

I found my EDT was by far the most helpful with advice, though he does ride himself. He also bears his bits in mind when he is adjusting and makes rest seats (this made a massive improvement). I have a KWPN with a massive tongue and hardly any room. Maybe have a chat with his dentist and start from there.
 
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