Straight bits: should I err smaller?

[HanJu]

Hi, I’m after advice re but size. Cob currently in 5” single jointed snaffle; it looks a bit small but doesn’t seem to be causing problems. I’m looking to change it as he always has his mouth open; thinking of a happy mouth Mullen or something similar. Was going to get 5.5”, but then wondered if I should err smaller with a straight bit? Perhaps 5” or 5.25” will be best ? Thanks v much in advance

 

[TheMule]

The last thing I'd try on horse that opens it’s mouth is a straight bar, particularly a thicker one like a happy mouth. I would try a lozenge or a shaped, curved mouthpiece with a bit of tongue relief and yes, it sounds like the horse needs 5.25

 

[ycbm]

That's interesting Mule, it's the first thing I would try ?. I bought my mare two weeks ago and they told me to use a lozenge bit. She was opening her mouth in it so I put her in a mullen mouth and she's very happy with it.

I've done the same with quite a few horses over the years and been surprised just how many horses like a plain straightforward slightly curved bar.

HJ, if a straight bar doesn't work, you could try the Bomber Happy Tongue, my horse with a terribly fussy mouth is getting on a lot better with that than any other bit.

.

 

[Shay]

Cobs can have quite thick tounges and bars. I'm agnostic on the straight vs lozenge debate - but I absolutely would remove the single joint. Many horses find the nutcracker action uncomfortable, particualrly if the mouth is fleshy or the roof low.

OP - you can hire bits from places like the Bit Bank or the Horse bit shop so you can try a few variations without breaking the bank!

 

[HanJu]

Thanks both! I initially planned to get a French link snaffle but realised it would potentially put more pressure on the tongue due to how the lozenge sits sideways, not flat, when being used.

ycbm, I’m not sure I can get 5.25 happy mouth - not sure available atm - would you go 5” or 5.5” for straight bar given that 5” looks maybe a bit small in single jointed snaffle? Was going to get 5.5” but then thought maybe it sits a bit bigger given it doesn’t curve when being used ?Thank you v much

 

[HanJu]

Cobs can have quite thick tounges and bars. I'm agnostic on the straight vs lozenge debate - but I absolutely would remove the single joint. Many horses find the nutcracker action uncomfortable, particualrly if the mouth is fleshy or the roof low.

OP - you can hire bits from places like the Bit Bank or the Horse bit shop so you can try a few variations without breaking the bank!

Thanks. Part of my thought is that he seems to have quite a thick tongue as far as I can tell. For that reason I originally wasn’t going to get straight bar as I was concerned it might be too thick ... could go for one of those lozenge ones that has a rounder, thicker lozenge, as I presume that puts less pressure on the tongue than the traditional thin French link ones... yes, sounds like a bit bank might be the way to go!!

 

[ycbm]

The happy mouth plastic bit does curve after a few uses, I would go 5.5 rather than risk too small.

If you are going bit bank I would go straight to the Bomber happy tongue on hire, given his fleshy tongue.

.

 

[canteron]

I bought a new bit recently and was worried about the size .... the lady got me to take pictures of current bit in horses mouth with a contact and gave me really good advice!

 

[Goldenstar]

My go to with contact ( mouth opening issues ) is the bomber bit with the arch .
You can’t hide a contact issue in a straight bar .

 

[HanJu]

Thanks Goldenstar. I don’t know much about the bomber mouth - can you tell me more? I’m keen for a gentle bit as he is plenty responsive to my seat and legs and I don’t want to create a fight with his mouth. I’m just hacking him out and he’s quite new to it - used to driving a trap

 

[HanJu]

I bought a new bit recently and was worried about the size .... the lady got me to take pictures of current bit in horses mouth with a contact and gave me really good advice!

 

[HanJu]

Pics without and with contact. Obvs small from photo without and looks a bit high with, I think, but he got his tongue over bit with it a hole lower. Getting new cheek pieces too.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

There seems to be some confusion between straight bar bits and mullen-mouth bits. I would try a mullen-mouth bit for a horse with a thick tongue and low pallette and if still having problems try a bit with a low port.

ETA, I would always go up a size rather than down for comfort

 

[ihatework]

Yes you need .25” bigger
It’s difficult to tell because a lot depends on mouth conformation, but I’d be aiming for a hole lower if you can. Once more comfortable in the mouth you should hopefully find the tongue issue subsides.

As for the mouthpiece, I’m open minded on that. We can make an educated guess but I do believe that ultimately it’s a bit of trial and error and letting the horse tell you what it likes. Some like fat, some like thin. Some love or hate, singles, lozenges or mullens!

 

[Goldenstar]

Thanks Goldenstar. I don’t know much about the bomber mouth - can you tell me more? I’m keen for a gentle bit as he is plenty responsive to my seat and legs and I don’t want to create a fight with his mouth. I’m just hacking him out and he’s quite new to it - used to driving a trap

The one I like is the loose ring happy tongue.

 

[Leo Walker]

What does he drive in? Mine drives in a white bendy plastic butterfly bit, and rides in a straight bar snaffle, same bendy plastic. She is happy in both.

She wasn't happy in any metal bit I tried and wasn't great with any sort of joint. She does have a happy mouth hanging cheek lozenge that she doesn't mind and if she was destined to be a riding pony then we would school her in that, but her job is driving and riding is only something she does to keep her occupied and cross train

 

[Tihamandturkey]

My ISH mare has fleshy tongue in a small mouth & prefers ported bits - for schooling she is going nicely now in a thinish curved single joint eggbutt snaffle.

As an aside I have recently added a drop noseband - the difference has been amazing- she's actively seeking the contact - I think she likes the security as she's used to a curb with her Kimblewick and Pelham ?

 

[HanJu]

My ISH mare has fleshy tongue in a small mouth & prefers ported bits - for schooling she is going nicely now in a thinish curved single joint eggbutt snaffle.

As an aside I have recently added a drop noseband - the difference has been amazing- she's actively seeking the contact - I think she likes the security as she's used to a curb with her Kimblewick and Pelham ?

Interesting! Something to try perhaps!

 

[HanJu]

My ISH mare has fleshy tongue in a small mouth & prefers ported bits - for schooling she is going nicely now in a thinish curved single joint eggbutt snaffle.

As an aside I have recently added a drop noseband - the difference has been amazing- she's actively seeking the contact - I think she likes the security as she's used to a curb with her Kimblewick and Pelham ?

My ISH mare has fleshy tongue in a small mouth & prefers ported bits - for schooling she is going nicely now in a thinish curved single joint eggbutt snaffle.

As an aside I have recently added a drop noseband - the difference has been amazing- she's actively seeking the contact - I think she likes the security as she's used to a curb with her Kimblewick and Pelham ?

What does he drive in? Mine drives in a white bendy plastic butterfly bit, and rides in a straight bar snaffle, same bendy plastic. She is happy in both.

She wasn't happy in any metal bit I tried and wasn't great with any sort of joint. She does have a happy mouth hanging cheek lozenge that she doesn't mind and if she was destined to be a riding pony then we would school her in that, but her job is driving and riding is only something she does to keep her occupied and cross train

Not sure as it’s not me who drives him but I can find out ! Thanks

 

[HanJu]

Thanks everyone for your help! V helpful and much appreciated