Which bit?

[Morganna]

I have had Arion in a snaffle and a french link snaffle and he does not appear to be happy with either. When I initially changed to the french link he seemed happier but today when I was riding him he was constantly chomping on the bit and throwing his head up.

His teeth were done 2 months ago and he has had a chiropractor and vet to his back and a brand new saddle fitted 4 weeks ago by a professional saddle fitter so I am pretty sure it's the bit he is unhappy with. I also had a good look in his mouth today to make sure there were no grazes or cuts in there that might be annoying him.

I need to find a bit that he will he comfy in, so can I have some suggestions please:)

He is a 16'2 Belgian Warmblood, 6 years old :)

[bellaxs]

Im affraid i havn't got a clue, but it does sound like its his bit

im sure sombody on here will be able to help you though:D

[doris]

If he's very safe to ride in the school, you could try riding him in a headcollar, but only if he's very safe. This would at least tell you if it is mouth/bit problems.

I'm not qualified to give bit advice and what suits one horse, doesn't suit another. How many of us on here have got loads of bits somewhere that we've bought and tried? Lots of us I bet. When choosing a bit, care should be taken to take the horse's mouth and tongue conformation into account. Many horses don't have the room for the thicker bits, and many horses have fleshy tongues. Something else to think about is the action and weight of a bridle headpeice on the poll. Some people have found that a comfort type of bridle works well.

There are websites that will hire a bit out for a number of days in order for you to try before you part with loads of money. It's strange that most of us will pay a lot for a saddle, but will huff and puff before paying out £40 plus for a bit!

There are people that will come out and assess and give advice - it a price, but it may be money well spent. These are two sites that may be helpful and give advice.

http://www.equestrianknowledge.co.uk/

http://www.neueschulebits.com/

Hope this helps. Welcome to the minefield of bitting.

[sheer bliss]

I find horses that are in french links, and chomp, tongue lol, throw the head around, want tongue relief, the Myler MB04 low port comfort snaffle may be your answer
Instead of the link in a normal snaffle they have a barrel that rolls, and in the MB04 its slightly raised by 3/4'' this allows the horses tongue room to move, and dosnt pinch
See:http://www.scallywagsequinesupplies.co.uk/p/category/0709109336-MB+04+Low+Port+Comfort+Snaffle/ I do trials too

Jill

[doris]

There a many horses that don't like any sort of jointed bit and will go better in something like a mullen mouth bit. I think in some horses, depending upon the shape of the mouth and tongue, find that the joint of the bit actually hits the roof of the mouth in use.

[Morganna]

Thanks very much for your suggestions guys :) I have been thinking he might just not like the jointed bits so I will give these a try :)