Which bit is best and kindest?

[Princesssparkle]

Am confused with soooo many options on the market these days , but my daughter is going to do some open and junior classes with her section A. He is lovely and light mouthed and normally ridden in a snaffle.
Pony is not eligable to do novice as previoulsy qualified for HOYS and RIHS in the open riddens!!

I know for the show ring she needs to now be in a double bridle but I am interested to know which bit folk have found to be the best and the kindest , to use with the double and a new to riding in a double jockey.... Am thinking to put her in split reins for the first few classes and lots of practice at home before letting them out loose in a double together!
With neue schules, rubber mouth pieces, happy mouthed, rugby pelhams, weymouths, normal pelhams, bradoons etc etc ..the list goes on .. all being available and me being a fan of the good ole snaffle.. I am at a complete loss as to where to start lol lol !!
Want it to be as nice as possible experience for Jockey and mostly pony ;/
Any shared experiences and expert advice most appreciated xx

[pencaedu]

Why not try a Pelham, rather than a double. Quite acceptable in the show ring

[abcd]

In an open class you need a double bridle so I would go for a Pelham rather than a double!?

[GinaGeo]

I prefer doubles to pelhams, much more precise. Once she gets to grips with it she can just use the snaffle rein. You can have a bradoon with the same mouthpiece as your normal snaffle and there shouldn't be too much difference. Unless of course your pony hasn't the mouth conformation to take two bits?

[Princesssparkle]

I am thinking Pelham is the way forward but unsure of which one to go for....Neue schule, rugby pelham, KK, ....think the ponies mouth would be too small for a double and I hate using more metal than necessary !

Thanks all x

[LucyHebditch]

I think a double it better... This way you can still ride off the snaffle and just have the bottom rein loose and 'there' as apposed to being unable to escape it as you are with a pelham. Personally I hate pelhams and would choose a double everytime, especially with well schooled ponies as it gives you the wonderful advantage of being able to ride them in the bit you wear at home. In my case... I school all mine in a loose ring Neue Schule snaffle and when it comes to a show, just pop the weymouth on but leave the bottom rein loose and it's like it's not even there

[Milliesmum]

If you put split reins on a Pelham you can control the amount is curb pressure by using the split reins that have a buckle adjustment. Also a leather or elastic curb would be milder than a chain.