What bit would be best suited to my horse?

[xxxkristinaxxx]

Would like a *bit* of advice please.
My 14.2hh TB cross mare is currently in a hanging cheek french link (size 5 inches), she does go rather nicely in this bit when schooling however sometimes she naps and just lets the bit slide through her mouth, I know a flash would help but I don't ride her with a noseband at the moment.
So I was thinking a full cheek would help solve this problem, but the thing is I am quite fussy. I was looking on ebay today and if I do get another bit it would have to be a full cheek french link or peanut thing in the middle with loose rings. I try to avoid standard snaffles with the nut cracker action as she does have a soft mouth unless shes is nappy, which isn't very often.
Preferably with sweet iron or copper or something along those lines.

Bit of a pointless thread but if anyone has one of the stated above, let me know!
What bit do you think she would be best suited to?
Also I am on a budget at the moment as they haven't given me many hours to work lately.

[ZaraTamara]

5 inches sounds quite a large bit for a 14.2hh TBx - have you checked the fit of your current bit? Also has she had her teeth & back checked recently? Napping & opening her mouth could be a sign that she's uncomfortable.
The cheapest alternative is to fit rubber bit rings (£2) to your existing bit - this will a) reduce the width a little & b) prevent the bit sliding through her mouth (unless she opens it really wide, in which case she'll have plenty to chew on!). Otherwise, if you're happy with your current bit (& her teeth/back/saddle are ok) I'd just get a cheap noseband - flash or drop - instead of spending out on another bit which may/not work.
Happy riding.

[xloopylozzax]

i think just go for a full cheek in whatever you have at the moment to start with then adress any problems from there. it sounds like the mouthpiece suits her, so stick with it and just change the 'cheeks'

unless she likes the hanging cheek action (acts on the poll i think) then maybe go for a different bit with french link mouth piece like a pelham or kimblewick *(only ones that come to mind with poll pressure, someone else will know more alternatives )

perhaps add a cavesson noseband aswell? it doesnt really do much i dont think but she might need something there with the joint action on the roof of her mouth

[BlueWicked]

hiya

how can she slide the bit through her mouth hun? Ive ridden Blue in a hanging cheek and I cant visualise how it could slide though?

a few full cheek snaffles here- one with a peanut.
http://www.shiresequestrian.co.uk/sh...=search&page=1

[xloopylozzax]

perhaps it is too low in her mouth or too big

[xxxkristinaxxx]

Yes 5 inches does fit her, 5 and a half was far too big on her, 4 and a half was too tight but 5 inches is perfect and she is happy with the sizing. And it isnt too high or low it just creases the corner of her lips like it should do if you know what I mean

how can she slide the bit through her mouth hun? Ive ridden Blue in a hanging cheek and I cant visualise how it could slide though?

She will just open her mouth really wide and let the bit slide through her mouth not sure really how she does it but she does. Saying that though the past couple of days she has been fine in her current bit its just now and again when she evades the bit.

So going to see if she is going to do it again and keep an eye out for a full cheek french link.
A kimblewick would be good but it would have to be a slotted one and have a french link because I am fussy but I bet that would be expensive if they exist!

Thanks for the replies

The bit rings are a good option I just found them a pain last time I used them when tacking up and getting them on the right side and I found they got dirty easy plus were a pain to get off on on so I would have to get some slotted ones

[xloopylozzax]

Originally Posted by xxxkristinaxxx

<edited>
A kimblewick would be good but it would have to be a slotted one and have a french link because I am fussy but I bet that would be expensive if they exist!

they do exist (i think) and they arent that expensive.

[xloopylozzax]

ok have googled and no french link kimblewicks (there is a very expensive fancy name one, but not classed as french link, its a 'wonder product' ) next step is a french link pelham i suppose if the full cheek doesnt work.

ETA this is what that bit is called- Sprenger KK Conrad Ultra Kimblewick its made of a sweet metal aswell.
http://www.pelhamtack.co.uk/cart.php...category_id=52

[xxxkristinaxxx]

Great thanks for your help Shall have a good search very soon

[BlueWicked]

noticed Sticky's GF is selling a 5inch loosering frenchlink with cheeks in her signature.

[xxxkristinaxxx]

Thanks will check it out now