What bit to use!!

[Greys]

Has anyone got any advice for bitting horses? Or anything point to make sure you don't go wrong?

I'm getting better in my understanding however the topic is endless...

I've alway tried to keep things simple, worried about being to harsh, but then I don't want to use something to no effect creating a hard mouth.

Also what about the physical implications of your horses mouth, thicker bits not fitting comfortably!

 

[Annagain]

Unfortunately I've found bitting is a case of trial and error. You know certain bits will operate in certain ways which might suit horses with certain issues so you can narrow down the options but until you try it you won't know if they'll accept it or go well in it. It took me 18 months to find the right bits (3 of them for different things!) for my horse.

I think your general principles are sound - choose a bit that's a mild as possible but as strong as necessary.

There's a lot more understanding now of the anatomy of the horse's mouth which is great, but it has led to endless options for bitting which makes it so much more difficult to choose one.

I'm a big believer in the horse choosing the mouthpiece and the rider choosing the cheeks. By that I mean if the horse goes well in, for example, a jointed snaffle with a lozenge but the rider needs more brakes, whatever bit the rider opts for should have the same mouthpiece, whether that is, again for example, a hanging cheek, a 3 ring gag, a Cheltenham gag etc.