What type of bit?

gratifite · 10-18-2005, 10:43 AM

Getting a new horse - the seller says he was trained in English. What bit do I use w/ him? The seller doesn't know what he's used to - long story. Input anyone?

Lindsayanne · 10-18-2005, 10:46 AM

Definitely start him with a snaffle and just see how he does.

Shotgun93 · 10-18-2005, 10:51 AM

Most "english" bits are snaffles, but there is a huge variety, everything from plain ol' single jointed loose rings, to kimberwickes and mullens. There are different cheeck pieces and mouth pieces, all of which put pressure in different places of the horses mouth.

Without knowing anything about what bit he has been used in, I would start out with a frenchlink eggbutt. But, that might not be the best bit for this horse, so be prepared to try out a lot of different bits before you find one that he goes well in. But, the key is to start out with a lighter bit first, then move up from there.

AnnaBelle02 · 10-18-2005, 10:54 AM

My rule of thumb - if you can not do general schooling in a snaffle bit (egg butt being my favourite) you need to re-evaluate the horse's training.

I've worked with a lot of off the track standardbreds and the best thing I find is to start with a nice fat egg butt - if you don't feel you have control then go to a thinner egg butt. The fatter the better - its the least harsh and your horse should maintain a soft mouth.

I only ever ride my guys in a fat egg butt, and being standardbeds they are "go" horses (fast and energetic) and I've never had a control issue.

Blistering Winds · 10-18-2005, 11:00 AM

Careful on size. Different horses have different sized mouths..... so a fat bit may be harmful to one horse, and perfect for another.

Shotgun93 · 10-18-2005, 11:02 AM

I agree AnnaBelle, if you can't ride your horse in a snaffle, you have problems.

I like fat egg butts too, but sometimes if a horse has a thick tongue or a small mouth, a fatter bit can actually hurt the horse. You really have to pay attention to your horses mouth type.

10-18-2005, 10:43 AM	#1
gratifite Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kansas Posts: 455 Images: 2	What type of bit? Getting a new horse - the seller says he was trained in English. What bit do I use w/ him? The seller doesn't know what he's used to - long story. Input anyone? __________________ If you can't be good, be good at it

10-18-2005, 10:46 AM	#2
Lindsayanne Senior Member+ Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joplin, MO Posts: 9,897 Images: 404	Definitely start him with a snaffle and just see how he does. __________________ Bashkir Curly Poster Child *NE Prime Time Regal - 2006 ABCR National Champion & 2008 Breyerfest Demo Horse

10-18-2005, 10:51 AM	#3
Shotgun93 Senior Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Southwest SD Posts: 13,837 Images: 132	Most "english" bits are snaffles, but there is a huge variety, everything from plain ol' single jointed loose rings, to kimberwickes and mullens. There are different cheeck pieces and mouth pieces, all of which put pressure in different places of the horses mouth. Without knowing anything about what bit he has been used in, I would start out with a frenchlink eggbutt. But, that might not be the best bit for this horse, so be prepared to try out a lot of different bits before you find one that he goes well in. But, the key is to start out with a lighter bit first, then move up from there. __________________ In the quiet light of the stable, you hear a muffled snort, the stamp of a hoof, a friendly nicker. Gentle eyes inquire, "How was your day old friend?" and suddenly, all your troubles fade away. -Author Unknown

10-18-2005, 11:00 AM	#5
Blistering Winds Senior Member+ Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Augusta, Kansas Posts: 31,979 Images: 831 Blog Entries: 17	Careful on size. Different horses have different sized mouths..... so a fat bit may be harmful to one horse, and perfect for another. __________________ HGS is a very powerful, addicting place that is just as bad as cigarettes, however healthier for you AND your horse.

10-18-2005, 11:02 AM	#6
Shotgun93 Senior Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Southwest SD Posts: 13,837 Images: 132	I agree AnnaBelle, if you can't ride your horse in a snaffle, you have problems. I like fat egg butts too, but sometimes if a horse has a thick tongue or a small mouth, a fatter bit can actually hurt the horse. You really have to pay attention to your horses mouth type. __________________ In the quiet light of the stable, you hear a muffled snort, the stamp of a hoof, a friendly nicker. Gentle eyes inquire, "How was your day old friend?" and suddenly, all your troubles fade away. -Author Unknown

10-18-2005, 10:54 AM	#4
AnnaBelle02 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,230 Images: 3	My rule of thumb - if you can not do general schooling in a snaffle bit (egg butt being my favourite) you need to re-evaluate the horse's training. I've worked with a lot of off the track standardbreds and the best thing I find is to start with a nice fat egg butt - if you don't feel you have control then go to a thinner egg butt. The fatter the better - its the least harsh and your horse should maintain a soft mouth. I only ever ride my guys in a fat egg butt, and being standardbeds they are "go" horses (fast and energetic) and I've never had a control issue.

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