Young horse-bit?

[belle]

At the moment I am training my young horse to be ridden. She accepts the saddle and bridle and all lungeing gear.

The main thing I am worried about is which bit I should use. At the moment I am using a rubber mullen mouth snaffle. The concern I have with this bit is that it may wear, or get chewed through.

What is the best bit for a young horse?

[ros]

As long as you check for signs of damage I don't see why you shouldn't carry on using the rubber snaffle. I used to ride my great big strapping Frank in one and had no problems at all. If your horse is happy in it there's no reason to change it.

[larri]

Hi Belle I use a similar bit for Safi, with Eggbutt rings. she is very 'mouthy' with the bit and it's lasted a year with no signs of damage.
I had two different saddlers reccommend this bit to me as it is very easy for the youngster to accept, so I'd stick with it.

[RoxR]

I started Roxy with the same snaffle you are using. Once I started riding her more I used a single jointed rubber snaffle with full cheeks to help with turning!
As we progressed we moved onto a french link stainless steel snaffle which is where we are at now!

[lamprellsarah]

the only thing i don't like with a snaffle is that some horses, don't like the pinch and learn to open them mouths and avoid it!! or cross their jaws, then other gadgets like drop nosebands and figue of 8 nosebands start coming into action!!
my horse, did this till, i got a myler one with no nutcracker action!!
as i don't like strapping their mouths shut

[Lgd]

Try a JP snaffle. No nutcracker action and the horses go really well in them. I won't use anything else for babies now.

[Tina J]

If your horse is happy, then why change? Keep an eye on the bit, but I used one for years with no problems. I assume that you are having your youngster's teeth checked regularly? If she accepts the bit now, but then seems to fuss with it later, it could well be a sign of teeth discomfort.

As she musles up and starts to be ridden more, if you do want to move on to a jointed bit, choose one that is either well shaped (JP) or with a double joint (french link NOT Dr Bristol) to minimise the nutcracker action. But as I said, I rode one of my horses in a rubber mullen mouth for years. Nice gentle bit. I only have my current horse in a french link because he lacks respect for a rubber bit.

[Lucy J]

The only bit my young horse has ever been in is a loose ring german hollow mouth (stainless steel). She goes well in it and I haen't had any problems. I do have a JP snaffle, but I haven't used this on her yet. I was led to believe that this is one of the mildest bits you can use....any feedback?

[ros]

I'm feeling really dumb here - will some kind person please tell me what a "JP" snaffle is?

[Lucy J]

You can see them in the Robinson's catalogue, JP does a range of bits, the difference with them is the mouth piece is curved instead of straight so it is supposed to prevent the nutcracker action that the normal snaffles have. I find the mouthpieces are a bit thin though, but they are quite good, I think mine only cost about £8.

I believe JP are the initials of the person that designed them.

Hope this helps.