[Brie]

Okay, this might be a silly question...



but aren't the edges on the plastic pokey!? I know the whole happy mouth pitch is that they are kinder and softer in your horse's mouth, but those edges on the plastic just look like they would dig into the tongue.

Anyway, I've never had one/used one, so that's why I'm asking.

[crayon]

Do you mean the seams or the part where plastic turns into metal in the middle.

I don't think either is really uncomfortable though... The seams are relatively small and the other edges are somewhat rounded or smoothed so they aren't sharp or anything. I use a happy mouth and it works nicely for Crayon and I. I think if I put her into something metal she might flip over.

[Jim_in_PA]

I have a HM Eggbutt and did not find those edges to be discomforting to Elvis. I do like him better in a double jointed bit, however, but that's an entirely different situation. He still rides in a HM Eggbutt with the lesson tack when he's used by others for, well...lessons...and doesn't complain at all.

[Brie]

Crayon - yeah, I mean the part where the plastic ends close to the center joint.

I ride my mare in a double jointed snaffle with a rounded center piece (have been thinking about a french link...) and wondered if maybe the happy mouth were more comfortable. I just couldn't get over looking at those edges, though. :P

[crayon]

Ok. Well the edges aren't sharp. You could always go to your tack shop to check them out if you'restill concerned.

[greyongray]

Actually I have often wondered myself if the happy mouth jointed bits are comfortable too, being that the joints are so small and fine (much more it seems, than your standard rubber-covered snaffle).

[FallenAngel]

No they are not sharp at all. You do however have to watch and often replace these bits more than metal ones as horsies chew on them and can leave teeth marks, resulting in sharp edges.

[crayon]

Originally Posted by FallenAngel

No they are not sharp at all. You do however have to watch and often replace these bits more than metal ones as horsies chew on them and can leave teeth marks, resulting in sharp edges.

I'm pretty sure that if bits are adjusted properly the horse shouldn't be able to put bite marks in them. I've had mine for months and it only has a mark from the first ride when I was deciding how to adjust it. I raised it a little and it hasn't gotten any marks since.

[Jim_in_PA]

Originally Posted by crayon

I'm pretty sure that if bits are adjusted properly the horse shouldn't be able to put bite marks in them. I've had mine for months and it only has a nark from teh first ride when I was deciding how to adjust it. I raised it a little and it hasn't gotten any marks since.

Yes, this is absolutely true. If the bit/bridle is adjusted correctly, the bit should never touch the teeth outside of inadvertently when you slide it into or out of the horses mouth.