Which fulmer bit - single link or french link?

[Hollyhorse]

As you probably guessed I don't know whether to buy a fulmer with a single link like this:

or to buy one with a french link like this:

To be honest I don't really know what the difference would be between the two and how it would affect my horse's way of going...any thoughts? I've been riding him in a plain loose-ring double linked bit with a lozenge and he's been going nicely but the bit slips through the side of his mouth and we have a few steering probs so I want to get him a loose-ring fulmer (he hated my fixed ring fulmer). How would the single link make him go in comparison to the french link?

 

[conniegirl]

the single linked will increase the nutcracker action in the mouth and if horsey has a low palette then may hit the roof of the mouth.

If he is going well in a double jointed bit then i would go for the french link.

 

[MillionDollar]

I never use single jointed bits anymore, they are always french link, waterford or straight bar. I'll never go back to single links again, all the horses go so much better without them.

 

[SydneyB]

Ditto _Claire_; I like double jointed/french link bits much better.

 

[Frankstown]

Ditto _Claire_ and SydneyB, a single joint drives down into the tongue when you apply rein pressure, it therefore drives up into the roof of the mouth, when you dismount and lead your horse via the reins. NICE!

 

[cosmo_sam]

ditto the others

 

[sillygillyhorse]

If your horse goes well in a french link then dont change, the old saying "if it aint broke dont fix it comes to mind"

 

[Hollyhorse]

That's very interesting that everyone has said the same! I changed my other horse from a french link to a single link on advice from my instructor and to be honest it made no difference! That's why I was wondering but think I will go for the french link as you all advise. Just will be a little annoying have 2 of the same bit!! Thanks for all your help