[Drafthorse]

I've used many different bits on the hoses I've started, from loose ring french link snaffles, to full cheek snaffles, to sidepulls, and bosals.

The bit you use on your youngster depends on the horses oral conformation.

I used a D-ring w/ copper rollers on a draft cross.
A loose ring french link (german silver) on my mare. She still uses it at 4 years old.
I've used a hollow D ring snaffle on one mare, and had had to move to a full cheek french link about 2 months into training.
A rubber mouth D ring on a problem horse I retrained.
I used an eggbutt french link on a pony.
And a bean mouth eggbutt on another.
I started a few in halters, and sidepulls, then eventually bosals.

First thing is first, I'd get the babys teeth checked. Floated if needed too. Check for wolf teeth, and have them pulled if s/he has them too. Look at your babys' mouth - size of his bars, tongue, and pallet hieght will pay a big roll if you want a bit with single joint, french / bean mouth, shaped (myler, low swivel port, etc) or a mullen. Then the thickness too, if he needs a thicker one or a thinner one.

-DH

[PiaffePony0412]

A horse who has never had a bit in his mouth won't know one from the other really. YOU and your hands put the emphasis on each. I ride every horse I have ever started in the exact same bit.

French link Loose ring.


It is a more mild alternative to a regular snaffle. Soft bit + soft hands = soft mouth.

-Piaffepony0412