What bit to use on young horse?

ILoveRedRanger! · 11-02-2009, 08:32 PM

I was wondering what bit I should use on my sisters 18 month old baby. Obviously I won't be introducing it to him for a while and I won't be even attempting to get on him for a long time. I have a hollow mouth bit but I wonder if it will be too thick. What would you suggest?

SaddleUp158 · 11-03-2009, 04:40 AM

Snaffle- many prefer the comfort snaffles or french links more so than the single jointed snaffles since the nutcracker effect is eliminated.

dallasbarnone · 11-03-2009, 04:52 AM

IF you havent already, getting the teeth checked for loose caps, and floated, is the most important at that age, then a full cheek comfort is a nice mild bit.

Lou3 · 11-03-2009, 05:34 AM

I mouth 2/3 yr olds in a flexible rubber snaffle, and then move on to a french link or myler snaffle.

spinandslide · 11-03-2009, 06:17 AM

We start putting a bridle and bit(sans reins) on our youngsters about 18 months..we use a regular sweet iron loose ring snaffle. this allows the horse to get used to "packing" the bit..that way, when he is broke out, hes not trying to get used to the saddle, bridle, bit AND someone on him.

I dont like exceptionaly thick bits on youngsters..because some of them may have smaller sized mouthes and it may be uncomfortable for them.

ShezaBayDoc · 11-03-2009, 06:29 AM

My trainer is using a full cheek, I would much prefer a 3 piece D-Ring or rubber snaffle, even a 3 piece full cheek. I just want him to be comfortable, and I always lunged him with a 3 piece bit.

FleetFeet · 11-03-2009, 02:15 PM

I have been using a rubber mullen snaffle with my 18mo filly. I figured it was the "kindest" way to introduce her to the bit and bridle. Its nice and soft and flexible so it doesn't bang around in her mouth too much. I also got the thinnest one I could find.

I think I will start riding her in that and then switch to a full cheek snaffle. Just want something nice and simple to start...

Edit: oops just realised i meant a rubber eggbutt mullen...not snaffle

kierababy · 11-03-2009, 02:17 PM

I used a snaffle with my girl. I put it her mouth and just let her get used to it for a while.

ILoveRedRanger! · 11-03-2009, 02:56 PM

Thanks guys, I figured the hollow mouth might be to big. I'll ask my sister if the previous owner had his teeth done.

K Riding Girl · 11-04-2009, 03:57 PM

the mildest bit you can find - i like egg-butt snaffles - or you could find a rubber one if you want

11-02-2009, 08:32 PM	#1
ILoveRedRanger! Senior Member+ Join Date: May 2004 Location: New York Posts: 3,567 Images: 244	What bit to use on young horse? I was wondering what bit I should use on my sisters 18 month old baby. Obviously I won't be introducing it to him for a while and I won't be even attempting to get on him for a long time. I have a hollow mouth bit but I wonder if it will be too thick. What would you suggest? __________________ Member of the Diseased Thread Club You can't ride papers. Proud owner of a mutt.

11-03-2009, 05:34 AM	#4
Lou3 Senior Member+ Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: england Posts: 8,946 Images: 36 Blog Entries: 1	I mouth 2/3 yr olds in a flexible rubber snaffle, and then move on to a french link or myler snaffle. __________________ Proud to be in the SBR Formula One Fan Club!

11-03-2009, 06:17 AM	#5
spinandslide Senior Member+ Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: northwest Texas Posts: 1,698 Images: 22 Blog Entries: 2	We start putting a bridle and bit(sans reins) on our youngsters about 18 months..we use a regular sweet iron loose ring snaffle. this allows the horse to get used to "packing" the bit..that way, when he is broke out, hes not trying to get used to the saddle, bridle, bit AND someone on him. I dont like exceptionaly thick bits on youngsters..because some of them may have smaller sized mouthes and it may be uncomfortable for them. __________________ So I ask you, will you be a constitutional watchdog. The time has come to bark and to bark loudly. -Glenn Beck

11-03-2009, 02:15 PM	#7
FleetFeet Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 379 Images: 32	I have been using a rubber mullen snaffle with my 18mo filly. I figured it was the "kindest" way to introduce her to the bit and bridle. Its nice and soft and flexible so it doesn't bang around in her mouth too much. I also got the thinnest one I could find. I think I will start riding her in that and then switch to a full cheek snaffle. Just want something nice and simple to start... Edit: oops just realised i meant a rubber eggbutt mullen...not snaffle Last edited by FleetFeet; 11-04-2009 at 04:11 PM.

11-03-2009, 02:17 PM	#8
kierababy Senior Member+ Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Happy Valley, Ca Posts: 4,144 Images: 1248 Blog Entries: 2	I used a snaffle with my girl. I put it her mouth and just let her get used to it for a while. __________________ I dont Forgive people because I am weak. I forgive them because I am strong enough to know people make mistakes. Sexy by ChristmasChallenge-r!! CURRENT: 5 lbs LOST

11-03-2009, 04:40 AM	#2
SaddleUp158 Senior Member+ Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 2,479 Images: 121	Snaffle- many prefer the comfort snaffles or french links more so than the single jointed snaffles since the nutcracker effect is eliminated.

11-03-2009, 04:52 AM	#3
dallasbarnone Senior Member+ Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 837	IF you havent already, getting the teeth checked for loose caps, and floated, is the most important at that age, then a full cheek comfort is a nice mild bit.

11-03-2009, 02:56 PM	#9
ILoveRedRanger! Senior Member+ Join Date: May 2004 Location: New York Posts: 3,567 Images: 244	Thanks guys, I figured the hollow mouth might be to big. I'll ask my sister if the previous owner had his teeth done. __________________ Member of the Diseased Thread Club You can't ride papers. Proud owner of a mutt.

11-04-2009, 03:57 PM	#10
K Riding Girl Full Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: California Posts: 224 Images: 7	the mildest bit you can find - i like egg-butt snaffles - or you could find a rubber one if you want

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