[Klaycock]

I was wondering what bit would be the absolute softest, yet show legal, that I can use on my gelding. This boy has only been ridden in halter or hackamore and will continue to ride that way on trails and in the speed arena. However, I would like to start him english and hit a few local shows just for fun. He has excellent movement to actually win!! I want somthing that has very very little pressure as his mouth is soft as butter.

I would love to hear what bit you think is best, why and how it works.

Thanks!

[idlewild]

Remember that a bit is a soft as the hands that use it.

I would recomend a french link snaffle, it is gentle on the horse's mouth, the double links prevent the nutcracker action a regular single jointed snaffle creates, and in my experience, I just find that it sits well in a horse's mouth and most horses like them. Another option would be a rubber mouth bit, either jointed or a mullen mouth--some horses really take to them, other's don't.

Also, generally speaking, the thicker a bit the softer it is going to be on the horse's mouth.

[GingerSnap]

I really like and my horse really likes the myler comfort snaffle



I was riding Libby in a french link, that is what she had been trained in. But she went from a nice riding horse to a royal pain. I used the myler on her and wow what a difference it made!

[Klaycock]

Originally Posted by idlewild

Remember that a bit is a soft as the hands that use it.

I would recomend a french link snaffle, it is gentle on the horse's mouth, the double links prevent the nutcracker action a regular single jointed snaffle creates, and in my experience, I just find that it sits well in a horse's mouth and most horses like them. Another option would be a rubber mouth bit, either jointed or a mullen mouth--some horses really take to them, other's don't.

Also, generally speaking, the thicker a bit the softer it is going to be on the horse's mouth.

Thanks, I'll put that on my shopping list and see what I can find. (for a reasonable price.lol)

[Klaycock]

Originally Posted by GingerSnap

I really like and my horse really likes the myler comfort snaffle



I was riding Libby in a french link, that is what she had been trained in. But she went from a nice riding horse to a royal pain. I used the myler on her and wow what a difference it made!

Now that is an interesting bit! Ive been out of english for some time and even when I rode english it was saddleseat and dressage so this is a whole new ball game for me!

I trained this guy, well he is well started I should say, in a halter and hackamore so the transition should be interesting, but at least I dont have to work through problems caused by harsh bits or heavy hands from a previous owner! (the beauty of raising one of your own!)

[luvs2ride79]

I agree, something that has a piece in the middle: either a french link, bean mouth, or myler comfort snaffle. Check your show rule book to see if a french link or mullen Happy Mouth bit would be legal. Those are quite gentle as well.

Thinner mouth bits tend to be more "harsh". On the other end, those hollow mouth bits can be too "fat" for some horses, and equally as uncomfortable.

Listen to your horse and he will let you know what he likes. Just remember to keep your hands steady, and your wrists and elbows soft. Your elbows should "open" when you post or canter, so your body can do one thing while your hands stay relatively still (or follow the horse's head as needed).

[Klaycock]

Originally Posted by luvs2ride79

I agree, something that has a piece in the middle: either a french link, bean mouth, or myler comfort snaffle. Check your show rule book to see if a french link or mullen Happy Mouth bit would be legal. Those are quite gentle as well.

Thinner mouth bits tend to be more "harsh". On the other end, those hollow mouth bits can be too "fat" for some horses, and equally as uncomfortable.

Listen to your horse and he will let you know what he likes. Just remember to keep your hands steady, and your wrists and elbows soft. Your elbows should "open" when you post or canter, so your body can do one thing while your hands stay relatively still (or follow the horse's head as needed).

Great info, Thanks! It's literally been about 11yrs since I really sat my rear end in an english saddle..lol

[GingerSnap]

Originally Posted by Klaycock

Now that is an interesting bit! Ive been out of english for some time and even when I rode english it was saddleseat and dressage so this is a whole new ball game for me!

I trained this guy, well he is well started I should say, in a halter and hackamore so the transition should be interesting, but at least I dont have to work through problems caused by harsh bits or heavy hands from a previous owner! (the beauty of raising one of your own!)

Here is the Myler website... http://www.mylerbitsusa.com/ I sat down and read there book called "A Whole Bit Better". It helped me to decide what level my mare was really at which mouth piece would work best for her based on how we were riding and the issues we were having. From there I decided what Cheeks I wanted (for me it was a western D ring) but they are no strangers to the English discipline. Because of Libby's mouth size I had to have hers special made she is a 5.5. But up to size 5 is made ahead of time and some places even allow you to rent the bit so you can see if it's what you want to use before you buy it.

[Jrchloe]

The book A Whole Bit Better what does it include? Just Myler bits or does it discuss all bits for everyone?

[GingerSnap]

Originally Posted by Jrchloe

The book A Whole Bit Better what does it include? Just Myler bits or does it discuss all bits for everyone?

It's very specific for their product. But very very informative.