bits

[H & Bailey]

is it essential to use a driving bit to drive your pony?
I am at the stage where i need to get another bit..this will be for smudge who will be a lead rein pony for my daughter.
Bruno is currently driven in an eggbutt snaffle..mainly as he came with the bit.. is there any benifits for using a straight bar type bit for driving as opposed to the jointed snaffle?
Im only asking as i can use brunos bit for smudge and then buy a driving bit for bruno if it is better for him.. if not i can just buy smudge a new bit...
hope this makes sense

[Alfies-slave]

You can drive using any bit, you can ride using a driving bit! No hard and fast rules. Lots of people use jointed bits for driving. Wilson Snaffles (driving bits) are jointed.

With a little pony, you don't want great lumps of metal stuck on its face, the large cheek pieces of a Military, Liverpool or Butterfly don't make for a pleasing overall picture. Most people don't use the bottom slots anyway!

I use Liverpools as it suits all horses, I just have them in a few different sizes. I break horses to drive, and one bit gets used for many horses!My show horses have them as it makes for a better over all look to the turnout.

My little ponies... one has a french link butterfly, and one drives in a magic bit!

If you want to buy a new bit that is equaly apropriate for ride and drive, a butterfly with a french link or snaffle mouth piece might be a good choice. That way you get the 'driving look' incase you fancy doing a show, and it doesn't look out of place on a ridden pony (no great lumps of metal!)

[Esther.D]

I always used Liverpools for my Shetlands, but have been converted by Wally's french link butterfly pelhams. But as above, any bit is ok if the pony is happy and controllable in it.