Which bit for new mare?

[oscarwild]

Right well I have just bought a new horse and I was wondering if I was needing a bit change or not.

She is currently ridden in a eggbutt snaffle and when she has it in she leans on it and chomps away constantly. When you try and put contact on the bit she can throw her head a little. She has a flash and a martingale. You need the martingale to bring her head down as when it wasnt on you rode her and got to see her nostrils. The martingale has calmed her down and is much more controlled than before.

Was wondering if a change of bit would make a difference and what would you try. I was thinking of something like a french link or a loose ring fench link but wondered what your thoughts were.

Thanks.

 

[Javabb94]

My horse used to put his head down and lean on the bit,

he is now going so much better in a 3 ring gag (one ring either side if the snaffle ring) and its also a happy mouth with a roller in it.

 

[Kokopelli]

I had great success with a loose ring french link with my leaner. When we got him he was in a waterford as he leaned so much but I hate the things so changed him to this asap and he turned into a completly different horse.

When competing we would put him in a loose ring with copper rollers just for a little extra control, so might be worth trying one of these aswell

 

[Allover]

Have you had her teeth\back checked to make sure the evasions are not pain related? By using a flash and martingale and bitting her up you are only dealing with the smptoms and not the cause if it is pain related.

 

[xmonax]

I really like the waterford mouthpiece, have had great success with it

 

[spotty_pony]

Would definitely recommend you try a loose ring french link snaffle if she leans on the bit. Make sure you use bit guards with it though, so it doesn't pinch. If she still leans on that, then try a Waterford Snaffle. (But remember that Waterford bits are not Dressage legal)

 

[ali87uk]

I would call the bit shop...they have a website...they're really helpful and if you don't like the bit you get a 30day trial and can send it back and try another one...

 

[quirky]

I would have her teeth checked before I started spending on bits that may or may not give you a better ride.

 

[Honey08]

I'd give her time to settle, and get some lessons with a good, qualified instructor who can advise you once they've seen the problem. You're going to get told about no end of bits if you just ask on a forum, by people who have never seen the horse go, so you're asking for more problems. I always think, if you're not sure yourself, get someone else in to assess the situation.