Young big horse bit help!!

Bav

Bav

Well-Known Member
Joined
18 December 2013
Messages
418
Location
Northampton
Visit site
Hii!!
So I need some help and suggestions!!

So 6 months after rebacking my 4 year old 17.2hh Holsteinerxtb I'm having some bitting issues.

He was originally in a 6 1/2" loose ring happy mouth with the peanut roller but this was slipping through his mouth and causing rubbing! So I swapped him to a 6 1/2" (although actually smaller) loose ring French link snaffle.

Many of you reading might think that the slipping means get a smaller bit! But problem is, 6" is too small and everywhere I've looked don't do 6 1/4, I've even been told they don't ACTUALLY make bits this size. It's so frustrating as I want him to feel comfortable but the left rein is a problem, head to the side, head tossing and general feeling uncomfortable (before the bit change, he does go better in the French link)

So does anybody know anywhere that specialises in bigger bits? I've tried bitbank and good old google but can't find anything! I don't want to fork out ridiculous money for a bit I'm not even sure he'll like! He's tends to ride naturally low (perhaps too on the forehand sometimes) and isn't particularly strong although he does mouth and salivates quite a lot! Although I've always thought salivating was good?

Also - French link loose ring sits with about a pink finger gap either side of the mouth which, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, I always thought was good for a loose ring although a fixed bit such as an eggbutt tends to sit more snug?

Opinions and advice welcomed - he has had his teeth done and all fine! Previous horses have always had one bit that they fitted and rode well in so never had to worry about bits before :(
 
Would putting rubber bit guards on (the round ones) take up a bit of the slack on the 6.5 inch bit? I don't much like french links and personally would probably try a lozenge bit. Good luck. x
 
Hadn't actually thought of that! *Face palm* although now I find myself picturing how the heck I get a rubber bit guard onto the actual bit...
Thankyou! May be something I have to try! x
 
For me NS bits are on the pricey side and from looking on the bit bank the ones that go up to 6 1/4 or 6 1/2 don't offer the 30 day trial :/ I just begrudge spending lots on a bit I'm not sure he'll like and at that size there isn't a huge market to sell on.

Broke_But_Happy said:
Remember though, bit guards aren't BD legal.
Click to expand...

Very good point here. And of course I'd try to do what's in my horses interest but I have to be honest...I think they're a bit of an eyesore...
 
What about something with full cheek, like a french link. My horse is 6 or 6 1/4 and I've found most big bits on equestrian clearance, the odd one through amazon. Snaffles and simple bits arent too hard to find, you want to hope he doesnt want anything special! Abbey will make what you want but always with a price
 
Bav said:
For me NS bits are on the pricey side and from looking on the bit bank the ones that go up to 6 1/4 or 6 1/2 don't offer the 30 day trial :/ I just begrudge spending lots on a bit I'm not sure he'll like and at that size there isn't a huge market to sell on.



Very good point here. And of course I'd try to do what's in my horses interest but I have to be honest...I think they're a bit of an eyesore...
Click to expand...

I have the same problem with my 16.3 Oldenburg. I use a french link loose ring with rubber bit rings and this helps to stop the bit running through the mouth and protects the corners as well.

If your horse is black or bay you can get bit guards in those colours and you will hardly see them. They don't look that bad. I use them every day at home and for all SJ and XC. Only time I take them off is to do the dressage at an event.

To get them on you put them in very hot water and then use a hoof pick to stretch them over the rings. It's a bit trickier getting them on a gag but with a bit brute force it is do-able!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top