What bit would be best?

[scoobylover]

Our loan pony, ziggy (arab) is currently ridden in a standard single jointed snaffle. This is what he came in. However, having read that some horses inc arabs have less room in their mouths due to lower palette the nutcracker action is not a good bit for them. He has a very high head carriage and it looks to me like he has over developed muscles on the underside of his neck. He also sticks his head right up in the air in certain 'stressful' situations, i.e. seeing cattle, milk tankers and sometimes just being asked to stand still! His back, tack and teeth have been checked and are ok.
What bit would anyone suggest we try to help overcome this? Was thinking maybe a french link? He isn't really strong, so don't need a bit for brakes.

[chev]

Something like a french link hanging cheek might help. The french link mouthpiece would probably suit his mouth conformation better, and at the same time reduce pressure on the sensitive bars and tongue. It has a very minor action on the poll, not really much to speak of but lots of native types like that kind of bit.

[scoobylover]

Thanks Chev,

Was actually reading up on hanging cheeks earlier! I think I might go to local tack shop and hire one first. If there is an improvement, is it likely to be almost immediately?

[chev]

Most horses will let you know fairly soon whether or not they like a bit.

[NoviceNic]

I would recommend a Myler Comfort Snaffle bit. It has a copper lozinge in the middle encouraging salviation and wraps round the tongue really neatly without the nutcracker action. :)

[abrakadabra]

I had an arab X with a similar problem and put him in a french link 3 ring. He was 100% happier and stopped lifling his head compleatly.

[Blair Witch]

French links are great bits. But, sounds to me that the bit might not be the whole issue. Sounds a bit behavioral.

[shandy84]

There was a post on here a while ago which noticed that a lot of arabs and arab x seem to like the straight bar bits, my old ones both certainly did :)