bugs
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Bits
Dec 9, 2017 18:26:54 GMT
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Post by bugs on Dec 9, 2017 18:26:54 GMT
I have a pony that has taken a long time to mature and been tricky to bit. Two years later and a lot of patience, we are getting there, but bitting is still an issue. Having spent so much time without forcing anything, I really want said pony to be happy and comfortable.
I started with a NS tranz angled lozenge, magic bit, then tried all sorts of lozenge bits from Beval, to happy mouth, but none were great. Recently tried a single jointed bit by chance and she seems to be happier in it, but I’m worrying about the nutcracker effect. I never use single jointed bits on any others. Can someone please enlighten me, is there any reason why a horse would prefer single jointed to lozenge as in my eyes the lozenge must be so much more comfortable?
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Bits
Dec 9, 2017 19:04:12 GMT
Post by gillwales on Dec 9, 2017 19:04:12 GMT
They are all individuals, I would normally agree with you. I always started wit ha half moon happy bit, so if things are still not right try out something along those lines. Maybe she preferred something less bulky; obviously I cannot see the bits you used. Loose ringed bits are good has there is always that extra allowance for movement and you have not said anything about the rings. All bits are down to the hands on the other end of the reins.
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bugs
Junior Member
Posts: 121
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Post by bugs on Dec 9, 2017 23:41:08 GMT
Thank you for your reply. Yes mostly loose ring but as we have gone through different types I think she actually prefers eggbut or d ring bits. She quite liked a NS verbindend but it felt quite harsh and her reactions were quite sharp to it. She def prefers the mouthpiece to be thinner but this seems hard to find in a non beval bit and she isn’t strong so I would prefer to ride her in just a snaffle.
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Bits
Dec 10, 2017 4:58:16 GMT
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Post by Philippa on Dec 10, 2017 4:58:16 GMT
Have you tried her in a simple fulmar snaffle if she likes the support of cheek pieces??
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Bits
Dec 10, 2017 6:01:37 GMT
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Post by gillwales on Dec 10, 2017 6:01:37 GMT
Then I would try a simple French link, certainly less bulky than the other bevel bits, see if you can borrow one before buying. Avoid wilkies!
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bugs
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Posts: 121
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Bits
Dec 10, 2017 19:05:46 GMT
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Post by bugs on Dec 10, 2017 19:05:46 GMT
Thank you both for input. I tried a fulmer with a French link mouthpiece which she was very mouthy and sticking her tongue out in. Her favourite is a D ring snaffle single jointed with copper rollers on it but it is clearly still pressing her tongue as she has it bulging out the sides of her mouth. We also have a very thin Wilkie, single jointed, from times gone by which she doesn’t mind either and interestingly she doesn’t stick her tongue out in this, but I want to have her in a snaffle and I can’t find the bit in a plain snaffle mouthpiece. It’s so hard to know what to try next.
I have seen the bombers happy tongue and lock out snaffle whilst researching today. Has anyone any experience of either of these?
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Post by bigmama on Dec 10, 2017 21:22:58 GMT
Thank you for your reply. Yes mostly loose ring but as we have gone through different types I think she actually prefers eggbut or d ring bits. She quite liked a NS verbindend but it felt quite harsh and her reactions were quite sharp to it. She def prefers the mouthpiece to be thinner but this seems hard to find in a non beval bit and she isn’t strong so I would prefer to ride her in just a snaffle. In the past, when requiring a thinner snaffle bit, I have used a bradoon snaffle which can quite easily be found with thinner mouthpieces and smaller rings, although the thinner mouthpiece will be more severe than a thicker mouthpiece, some native ponies with notoriously thicker tongues and less room in the mouth have preferred them .. you could, of course, apply some bit wrap to the thinner mouthpiece to give the bit a softer, spongy feel to the horse and this usually makes a bit more acceptable to him
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sarahp
Happy to help
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Bits
Dec 11, 2017 9:02:06 GMT
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Post by sarahp on Dec 11, 2017 9:02:06 GMT
I've done the same with success. And it's all in how you use it, it will be no more severe in gentle hands than a thicker one, just more capable of being more severe if used more harshly.
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Bits
Dec 11, 2017 10:05:05 GMT
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Post by ponymum on Dec 11, 2017 10:05:05 GMT
I think as has already been said further up , all horses are individuals and your pony clearly demonstrates to you what he/she feels happiest in. I wouldnt worry too much about thin/thick mouthpieces but that they are happy with what you ride in. Its a shame more people aren't so kind and thoughtful towards thier horses needs. Funnily enough we had a rp x warmblood mare who had a tiny mouth 4.15cm and a big fleshy tongue , and she loved the tom thumb mouthpiece. We didnt ride off the bottom ring as we didnt need to get her head in, but off the middle (snaffle ) one. Yet in the pelham version , she hated it! They are as I have said Individuals and I often think life would be so much simpler IF they could talk!
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Post by janetbushell on Dec 11, 2017 10:52:31 GMT
Probably all been covered but there is no mention of the dentist having been called?
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bugs
Junior Member
Posts: 121
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Post by bugs on Dec 11, 2017 11:38:48 GMT
Thank you all. I will try the Bridoon version of a snaffle. I saw them online but didn’t know if that was ok. Yes sorry forgot to add, had dentist 3 weeks ago. All good, he did raise that she had slightly pointed bars and a large tongue. Maybe you are right ponymum and I just need to go with what the pony likes rather than worrying about research and reviews. I’ve just never had one that doesn’t like a basic lozenge snaffle, it’s thrown me!
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Post by ponymum on Dec 12, 2017 9:23:47 GMT
I have a D mare who isnt happy in a lozenge x I would think she has a large tongue due to her breed . Just go with what your horse likes x
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