Which bit for a young native fussy mouth?

Holly Hocks

Holly Hocks

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I have a New Forest x cob - three and a half years old. When I was attempting to bit her, I tried, stainless steel, rubber and finally happy mouth. Tried single joint, french link but the only one she has ever really settled in is a straight bar happy mouth. However her ridden work is starting now and I would like some suggestions as to what to change her bit to. A friend gave me a happy mouth with centre revolver to try and that has also been unsuccessful - she really doesn't like the joints. The dentist came this morning and suggested trying her in something with a port. She has a big fleshy tongue so I am considering the magic bit. Is this suitable or not? Any other suggestions gratefully accepted. Thanks!
 
Why not start in the happy mouth that she likes, I have used them for several youngsters, one horse is still in one at 8 years as that is what he prefers.
 
My exmoor was only happy in a neue Schule team up. She would be so chompy on everything else.
What size bit are u? Cos I have a 5" one for sale if u don't want to spend the ££ on a new one.
 
Wheels said:
Yes, what is wrong with using the happy mouth if she likes it?
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I suppose I've always been conditioned that a horse should move out of a straight bar, into something more "advanced" when the ridden work starts (saying that, my first TB was ridden in a straight bar happy mouth with no problems!) so do you think I am ok to stay in the straight bar happy mouth?
 
I started her out in a straight happy mouth loose ring snaffle, and she was broken and ridden in that for a while. I did have to change her bit after a short time, as she is 1/2 arab, and had a VERY high head carriage, and a will to go everywhere at the gallop! I tried lots of different bits, which she HATED, but she settled instantly with a straight bar happymouth pelham. She is 18 now, and still in the same bit. ;)

If you weren't meant to ride in straight bars, they wouldn't exist- horses for courses as they say! ;) (We have steering and everything! :p)

If it aint broke- don't fix it! Have fun, and just listen to what your horse tells you!

xx
 
Absolutly nothing wrong with keeping her in a straight bar - natives often do have fleshy tongues with low roof or mouths and so a straight bar with a slight curve allows space for the tongue without bashing the roof of the mouth.

My mare goes in a mullen mouth happily but won't go in a french link or a single joint. You can get a wide range of cheek pieces with the mullen mouth.
 
I have a 5yr old that is very sensitive, he has had dentist 3 times this year we have tried god knows how many bits. He started of ok in a happy mouth straight bar then took a disliking to that & I now ride him in a happy mouth jointed pelham as it's the only bit he is happy in & is like a different horse to ride. If your mare is happy in the stragiht bar I would keep her in that.
 
Id stick with the happy mouth :). I have a 13 yr old horse that has been mouthy, chompy and unhappy in his mouth since he was backed, despite what bit I try. Its been a nightmare. I say dont try to fix what isnt broken. The happy mouth is fine :)
 
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