First bit.

[s4sugar]

Martha has had a bit in her mouth for the first time (AFAIK) today. She accepted the jam coated eggbutt snaffle quite happily and didn't seemed phased.

She has quite a thick tongue and I want a bit to start working her in so I'm looking for a thinner mouthpiece and probably full cheeks or D ring.

Has anyone used thishttp://www.hairycobrider.co.uk/ekmps/shops/hairycobrider/images/copper_peanut.jpg bit or at least this mouthpiece please?

Or has anyone got any other suggestions as it is fifteen years since I last started a horse and there are a lot more choices now?

Martha is 15.2hh & rising 13 years having spend her life having foals.

Sue

[lachlanandmarcu]

My Haffie had a french link Happy Mouth. would recommend happy mouth as nice and soft and they can chew it a bit. Didnt work so well for us as she ate 3 in 3 weeks (thats Haflingers for you!), so went for sweet iron french link instead and she loves it.
She has a similar mouth confirmation to yours too.

[S_F_S]

Another recommendation for a happymouth - they do a nice loose ring with a moveable 'peanut' mouthpiece like the one above.

I would definatlely try out a loose ring initally until your horse is more established with the bit - as the side cheeks themselves can be a bit distracting if used too early!

[wildponies]

My baby was in a french link with bit rings, sorry not used that kind of bit!

[coss]

i believe Eventerbabe uses that bit on her youngster who isn't broken yet but she says thats his favourite. - hoping she'll search for her name ;)

[coss]

Another recommendation for a happymouth - they do a nice loose ring with a moveable 'peanut' mouthpiece like the one above.

I would definatlely try out a loose ring initally until your horse is more established with the bit - as the side cheeks themselves can be a bit distracting if used too early!

i use that on my mare - she loves it:
http://www.paardenwinkel.be/uploads/images/products/thumb/hb_2801_sp.jpg

[cwf]

you could try either of the following:

Korsteel Flexi Mullen Mouth Loose Ring Snaffle (http://www.countrywidefarmers.co.uk/pws/ProductDetails.ice?ProductID=1863)
Description: Flexi bits are made from a polyurethane material which is light and flexible. Extremely soft and kind to the horse's mouth, they are suitable for use on young, sensitive horses, horses just backed and those horses who are not comfortbale in conventional stainless steel bits. The bit acts with its unique characteristics but its effect is somewhat softened by the warmth and flexibility of the polyurethane material.

or the

Korsteel Cyprium Hollow Mouth Loose Ring Snaffle (http://www.countrywidefarmers.co.uk/pws/ProductDetails.ice?ProductID=1878)
Description: Manufactured from over 90% copper and are completely nickel free. Strong and attractive in looks, the bit has a warmer feel to it than conventional stainless steel and tends to be more readily accepted by horses. The copper component helps to assist the horse in its salivation and chewing activity.