yeah, a purpose made mouthing bit is best, just leave it on for a few mins a day but when it comes to doing acctual work change to something else, somthing "kind" that suits her mouth confirmation
i usually use a kk lozenge snaffle as the first bit for mine. i've never used one with keys, it's unlike anything they'll ever be ridden in, and promotes too much mouth/tongue movement imho.
thanks kerilli, i don't like the key bits as you have said they are unlike what you will ever use to ride in. As i don't want to kill his mouth as i have seen others do with young horse. i hope to keep his mouth as soft as possible.
I just used a apple flavour rubber bit in Bears mouth whilst breaking him in, and then an eggbutt with a copper piece in the middle, and he's got a lovely soft mouth.
I used a straight bar nathe bit (covered in raspberry jam
) but he found that too fat so I quickly changed to a lozenge bit with full cheeks. You might have already done this but it would be a good idea to have his teeth checked before you bit him for the first time so it's not a painful experience.