what is really the nicest bit?

[weesophz]

as title really! i always though a simple snaffle was the nicest for the horse, but recently saw a couple of posts saying this isnt the case!

my boy has 2 different bits, a copper loose ring snaffle that i tend to use for lunging and schooling, and a hanging cheek french link that i use when we go big hacks as he tends to go into giraffe mode on hacks and can be strong when he gets excited!

now im like OMG i hope he's not uncomfortable with his bit! eventhough he's never shown any signs of discomfort

 

[nikicb]

I don't think it's necessarily the bit that matters, but the hands on the other end of the reins.

 

[PoppyAnderson]

Well yes, it does depend on the hands but all things being equal......I'd go for either a happy mouth / nathe straight bar or something with a lozenge in the middle, that's nicely shaped allowing for tongue room eg, Neue Schule join up bit.

 

[weesophz]

I don't think it's necessarily the bit that matters, but the hands on the other end of the reins.

very true im very soft with my hands, my boy can be directed much easier using my legs anyway haha. was just wondering really what people reckoned felt nicer in their mouths

 

[celia]

I would agree that it can be more to do with how the bit is used. It will also depend a lot on the individual horse - one with a fleshy tongue may well prefer a thinner mouthpiece for example, even though generally a fatter bit is thought of as kinder. We have a pony who hates any sort of jointed bit - single, double, with a lozenge, doesn't matter! But I also know horses that don't like a straight bar or mullen mouth. If you feel happy with the bit you are currently using and your horse is relaxed and comfortable then I wouldn't worry about what other people might think of it.

 

[VioletStripe]

utterly depends on the horse's mouth conformation and the rider on the other side of the reins.
If the bit isn't comfortable in the mouth, then it won't be nice, regardless of whether or not we think it should be by design.

 

[Cortez]

I would agree that it can be more to do with how the bit is used. It will also depend a lot on the individual horse - one with a fleshy tongue may well prefer a thinner mouthpiece for example, even though generally a fatter bit is thought of as kinder. We have a pony who hates any sort of jointed bit - single, double, with a lozenge, doesn't matter! But I also know horses that don't like a straight bar or mullen mouth. If you feel happy with the bit you are currently using and your horse is relaxed and comfortable then I wouldn't worry about what other people might think of it.

Totally depend on the horse/the rider's ability. Some horses just don't go well in a snaffle; some riders don't know how the various "families" of bits work and can cause abuse by not knowing how/when to release. The most recent research blows the old "fatter is kinder" theory our of the water, and actually a THINNER mouthpiece causes less pressure. BUT, it all depends on the individual horse, AND his rider.

 

[Marydoll]

Totally depend on the horse/the rider's ability. Some horses just don't go well in a snaffle; some riders don't know how the various "families" of bits work and can cause abuse by not knowing how/when to release. The most recent research blows the old "fatter is kinder" theory our of the water, and actually a THINNER mouthpiece causes less pressure. BUT, it all depends on the individual horse, AND his rider.

^^^^
Agree with this

 

[weesophz]

thanks for the replies guys was just a curiosity really, i see people raving about amazing bits that i havent even heard of haha. my boy seems happy in his anyways