Which bit/bits do you use and why ... ?

HBII

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I use an eggbutt french link snaffle which I was advised to use when I bought my mare. I have tried loose ring snaffles before but have always favoured the eggbutt. I mainly hack and school. I am thinking about trying a Myler with the curved mouth piece to provide more room for a fleshy tongue ... which has led to my post
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What bit do you use and why? If you use a loose ring what benefits do you think it provides over en aggbutt? Do you swap bits for different disciplines? Do you school in a different bit to your competition bit? Do you take into account the horses mouth structure when bitting ie a large tongue?

Just curious on a wet afternoon.

Thanks

Hb
 
i use a hanging cheek french link for dresage as i need something with a bit more leverage when he gets strong
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then i compete him sj/xc in a tom thumb as its the only thing that he will accept and i can stop him and turn him in!
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then we hack out in a kimblewick so he dosent learn to hang onto the tom thumb which he does with all bits if we use them to much!
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I use a german silver loose ring snaffle with an eliptical link
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I use it because it's a warmer metal so encourages him to salivate and the peanut/lozenge/link is nicer for him than the single joint. He likes it and 'asks' for it to be put in rather than resisting it.
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He helps me put it in whereas with other bits he's definitely not wanted to help. (that sounds weird but it's true)
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I use a myler comfort snaffle with a low port and without the slots in the rings for my WB. I find he is very sensitive in his mouth and he seems to like the myler - but I still have some control. It's difficult to get a balance with him. I can ride him in a rubber mullen and be fine, but the Myler gives me more precision and sharper responses, without upsetting him.

I use a lightweight sweet iron french link loosering on my TB, as she has a very narrow jaw bone and fine bone structure. I would feel if I put a heavier bit in her mouth that it would weigh her little head down
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I use the same bits for everything, only hack on TB, but I've SJ and XC in the Myler. If I was going hunting with my WB I'd probably put him in a 3ring gag with a french link though, for a bit of extra stoppage power
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I use a straight bar pelham with roundings.

Straight bar - I had a dentist look at his mouth and she suggested that would best suit the conformation of his mouth, and I think she was right, he likes it.

Pelham - because he is so damn strong sometimes! He's cheeky and can tank off back towards the gate of the school if he's had enough/is bored/tired/out of his comfort zone, and I'm not a good enough rider to stop him.

Roundings - because the idea of riding with 2 sets of reins confuses me!

In the summer I tried a snaffle, full cheek snaffle, cherry roller and a dutch gag, then the pelham and have stuck with the pelham since. I do have a kimblewick which I might try for a bit soon though.
 
[ QUOTE ]
He likes it and 'asks' for it to be put in rather than resisting it.
crazy.gif
He helps me put it in whereas with other bits he's definitely not wanted to help. (that sounds weird but it's true)
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[/ QUOTE ]

Proof of the pudding is in the eating
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i use a full-cheek myler 02 or 04 mouthpiece, or a full-cheek single-link, or a fulmer snaffle, on everything for all phases, if at all possible. with either a loose drop noseband, or a cavesson.
i use this because my trainer won't let me ride in anything else for dr, and I totally believe him now (it took a while!). it takes away all that ridiculous "there must be a key to this horse's mouth" searching and expense, it's a case of "this works, i just have to use it correctly, calmly, patiently, until the horse accepts it nicely", which they invariably do.
i'll use a hackamore occasionally for jumping if the horse needs it, and i'll use a waterford a few times xc if the horse is too strong, cos i hate them like that in the hand. then i got back to my full-cheek snaffle.
i like them so much because they're completely stable in the horse's mouth (i always use keepers) so any movement comes from my hand or from the horse mouthing, flexing the jaw, moving the tongue, which I can actually feel with this combination. It's designed so that you are only ever using/moving one hand at a time, the other stays still, passive, constant, elastic. An extra joint = wobbliness, imprecision, according to my trainer, and since I think he walks on water, i'll take it as read!
i'm fully prepared to try all sorts of new stuff for jumping new mare, as she was in a myler short-shank combo with 3 rotating barrels, and seemed to like it... hmm.
 
I use a Jeffries revolver full cheek on my 12yr old mare. She is happy in this in all 3 phases so I don't feel the need to change it. The full cheek helps with steering.

My 5yr old who was only backed late Summer is hacking out in a neue schule lozenge, loose ring. She accepts this bit nicely and although she is a huge ID, I don't need to put anything else in as she has quite a soft mouth.

I am not too keen on single jointed bits - don't know why, perhaps it is the phrase nutcracker that puts me off but mine are happy. If they are happy, I am happy.
 
One of my ISHs goes in a loose ring rubber snaffle for all disciplines - has done since I backed him 4 years ago, but can honestly say he's the only horse I have ever known who is truly rubber-snaffle-mouthed
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The other one has double jointed (fat peanut) fulmer snaffle for flatwork and hacking, waterford fulmer for jumping and fast work, Cheltenham gag for hunting, double bridle for showing.

My old hunter went best in a straightmouthed driving bit. I usually start the youngsters in a nice fat German snaffle.
 
I ride Meg in a loose-ring single-jointed snaffle. I was using a flexi material one, but she's gnawed it
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so she's back in stainless steel.
It's used for everything, and is the one she's happiest with. I found with double-jointed and eggbut rings she'd stick her head up in the air. I'm still not 100% happy as she's reluctant to take hold of the bit, but we're improving, slowly.

Chloe uses a variety:
I hack/school her in a loose-ring waterford, and compete in a loose-ring snaffle. The waterford means that she doesn't lean so much, and needs less warming up at home to get working properly. I prefer the loose-rings with her as it encourages her to let go of the bit.

My mum was hacking her out in a 3-ring gag with snaffle mouthpiece, reins on 2nd ring. She couldn't hold Chloe's head up in the waterford, and Chloe had developed a habit of turning her head to one side when she wanted to evade, and the bit would run straight through. The gag gave her a bit more control since she was unable to use her legs.

I also use a straight pelham on her if I want to work on the canter as I can keep her together in it easier, but she does back off from it too much to be used regularly.
 
HB- i had a similar thought before xmas. I have used a standard eggbutt and hanging cheek with french link in a TB mare with a big tongue!
I decided to bit the bullet at xmas and bought a myler comfort snaffle MB02 with hanging cheeks as I liked the idea of independent side action, the slight curved mouth piece (as much as BD allow) and no bits to dig into tongue/roof of mouth. I've been using it for 2 weeks now and I'm happy with it. No spectacular change, but an improvement. It may just be because I'm riding firmer as i know there's minimal discomfort in her mouth now. she salivates much more.
 
I use a loosering snaffle with copper losenge in for schooling, however it has gone walkies so currently using a french link. Loose ring as it helps prevent leaning, double jointed as I dont like the action of single joints and copper losenge to help with salivation.

If going on a hack with loads of others I pop a dutch gag in as he gets excited and bucks if I try to hold him back with a strong hand. The gag means I dont really need to pull and he is brill.

I also pop that in if I go SJ to help with shortening his strides otherwise he ends up very strung out. I still use the snaffle to jump at home though.
 
I use a 3 ring ky dutch gag that has a round roller in the middle (like a large ball bearing), if I go to a dressage comp (well I've only done 1!) I have a myler loose ring - George much prefers the loose ring, he always has a wet mouth with it and if I use an eggbutt he just seems to set himself against it.
 
I really like the JP loose ring snaffle. I used to use a sprenger loose ring with a lozenge but I found it encouraged my horse to lean on the bit. Would only ever use a JP now and the bonus is they are under a tenner. I also use the JP style 3 ring for XC as the mouthpiece really suits my horse.
 
I use a loose ring french link bradoon. Loose ring as I think that little bit of movement keeps them soft, french link because I think its nicer than a single link and bradoon because the thickness (or thinness) of the mouthpiece suits her.
I had a KK ultra for her but it was too kind and she just took the pee. She seems to go well in the bradoon but im considering trying a myler.
 
I use a NS Trainer Full cheek with keepers on Fudge as he's still green and a little nappy and I find it's mild and helps with steering.

Lady is in a JP eggbutt, she has a tooth missing, very fleshy lips and a soft mouth. As it's JP it has a nice curved mouthpiece that eliminates any pinching or nut-cracker action. Before that I had her in various rubber snaffles but the rubber worn and become rough quickly or the bit rubbed the corners of her mouth.
 
Solo-
I use a Hackamore (Blairs Pattern) on Solo.
He's been going in it for 3 months now- although my braking isn't fantastic out hacking, but i don't canter out in company any more with him.
I had wanted to attempt at Stressage this year, but wont be able to, so have started a bit of jumping with him.
I had tried all sorts with Sol, and this, i think, is his 'key'.

Red-
Red came to us in August in a Happy Moutn Dutch Gag on the bottom ring. I don't have a problem with these bits, but as the OH is learning to ride, thought it would be fairer to Red to swap it for something a bit milder.
He's now in a French Link Loose Ring, which he goes really nicely in- he mouths, reaches down for the bit and is lovely and soft in the hand- he's stopped the leaning business he was doing in the gag. I like the Loose rings as he can't really lean on them like he could an Eggbutt.
For hunting, he wears the gag- but on the second ring, as he takes hold. By using the gag for hunting i don't have to pull hum about, i can stop him with my little finger.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I use a german silver loose ring snaffle with an eliptical link
bit.jpg


I use it because it's a warmer metal so encourages him to salivate and the peanut/lozenge/link is nicer for him than the single joint. He likes it and 'asks' for it to be put in rather than resisting it.
crazy.gif
He helps me put it in whereas with other bits he's definitely not wanted to help. (that sounds weird but it's true)
crazy.gif


[/ QUOTE ]
hi, i have just bought the same but in a cheltenham gag for my boy. Normally the loose ring is enough but for hunting or SJ I need a bit more. I intend to use two reins, so glad you rate this bit, haven't come across the german silver bit before. Just wanted to ask what made you use it in the first place? I have never used German silver bits before and was so pleased to read that you rated them. thanks, Karen. xx
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For RDA, which involves minimal rein contact, if any NS Comfy contact snaffle

Schooling, I use a waterford loose ring as he can lean a lot on my hands, he is built very on his forehand

Hacking on a non hectic day !! loose ring NS Demi Ank Lozenge

Hacking in company or when he has not done a lot and wind is up, english lozenge tom thumb with double reins.

I have to change bits quite regularly as he learns how to evade them, even the waterford ! He is very fleshy tongued and the lozenge works well for him
 
Pickle seems only happy in a waterford luckily we dont do any serious dressage!!!

I have for him

Loose ring waterford -for general schooling, jumping etc

3 ring waterford dutch gag- for hacking/jumping if he gets too strong

waterford pelham- my latest buy havent tried it yet but the idea is so I can hold him on hacks as he doesnt listen on the gag anymore!
 
Ben has an eggbutt snaffle for pretty much everything apart from odd schooling session in the double I usually school in his snaffle I just ride in his double when coming up to a show, He has a double for showing, thats it I dont have any breaking issues or anything
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I use a Neue Schule Virbindend snaffle as it is dressage legal and was recommended by Heather from the advice line to give more control through the shoulder. I must say it works. I hack and jump in this bit also.
 
My mare goes in a jointed happy mouth snaffle for everything including hunting. She came with an eggbutt snaffle but she didn't like the metal and is so much happier with the happy mouth.

My gelding does everything in a loose ring french link as that's what I started him in after he had been broken and I've never felt the need to change to anything different.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I use a german silver loose ring snaffle with an eliptical link
bit.jpg


I use it because it's a warmer metal so encourages him to salivate and the peanut/lozenge/link is nicer for him than the single joint.

[/ QUOTE ] I ride Sprite in a similar bit to that above, but it is one of those copper alloy typ materials, which again is warmer in the horse's mouth. Sprite has always been quite sensitive in her mouth and I find this bit encourages her to take a more consistent contact. I like the link because I think they are softer and less likely to hit a horse in the palate than a single joint. Personally, I also find that a loose ring snaffle is more mobile and encourages a horse to soften more than an eggbutt.

My daughter's pony fluctuates between a similar snaffle to that above, a hanging cheek snaffle, a loop ring snaffle and a Dutch gag, depending upon the discipline and the excitement level!
 
Daughters pony ( we have had her since backing) is in a korsteel french link hanging cheek snaffle and is very happy she has a large tongue and wasn't happy in a normal jointed eggbut snaffle - tended to go round with her tongue hanging out at the side and every time we put pressure on would just stick her head in the air and shake it from side to side with a tongue at the side - very attractive in a show pony. For jumping and fast work at pony club we use a dutch gag with a french link with the reins on the second ring I would have preferred to put her in one of those with only two rings but couldn't get one small enough with a french link. For open showing classes we use a jointed pelham with a french link she would never cope with a double bridle her moth is too small.
I used to ride my four year old in a full cheek jointed snaffle as thats what she came with and it was handy for steering but i have found that she throws her head a lot so i have recently changed her to a hanging cheek french link snaffle and the head throwing has stopped and she always has a wet mouth and plays with it. She has awfully big lips and tiny teeth and probably a normal size tongue but someone suggested using the french link as it may stop her throwing her head and she certainly is much happier with the link rather than a nutcraker action. Of course she may have stopped throwing her head for another reason but if she seems happier what the heck! oh and i can stop.
 
Pip and Ginga have a mullen mouth eggbut for riding. I found that Pip hates any jointed bits, and used to just lock his neck, and Ginga used to lean on joined bits. I jump and hack Ginga in an eggbut, as he repects this. They are both driven in a butterfly bit. Partly because they came with it, but we can also use it in a pair, and works almost the same as a mild kimblewick normally, and harsher on the bottom slot of we need it.

The team are all ridden in a straightbar eggbut most of the time, but occasionally a hanging cheek single joined. I find the hanging cheek good for encouraging them to strech and steer, while they are less fussy in the mouth with the straight bar, which is what they are used to.

Brook, Bobbie and Rory are driven in kimblewicks. This is as they go well in them, and in a team, although our boys are not strong when you need contact, you need it fast and sure, so the kimblewick reminds them when they need it.

Freddie is driven in a liverpool bit, as he can be strong, and likes to have a firm contact. He has the liverpool on first bar, as this is what works for him although we can have it as soft as a snaffle, or harsher.

Richard has a happy mouth kimblewick, alternated with a normal one, partly as this is what he came with and also because he is a baby, we would like to use the happy mouth, but he needs to be reminded frequenly to stay sane.

Haz
 
Went through most of the KK and Neue Schule snaffle range with my ID/TB and eventually found he went best in a JP french link eggbut (about £9 rather than £90!). New 5 year old was in a french link loose ring when I tried him, I started him in a pinchless but he wasn't very happy, so he also now has a JP and seems to go well in it. Expensive is not necessarily best! They've both got quite fleshy mouths and the curved mouthpiece seems to suit them.
 
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