Bit for a low palated horse ?

Ruskii

Well-Known Member
Jun 21, 2000
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Had Levi's teeth done today and the dentist mentioned about him having a low palate and showed me, I could clearly see what the dentist meant, and then went on to ask me what bit he was ridden in. I told them, but also mentioned about how I wanted to change it as he has no need for it and so I was going to go back to using a snaffle (he came to be ridden in a snaffle).

I was advised though to avoid any bits with a nutcracker action, fine not problem there as I think a french link snaffle might be ok for him ? If however this isnt suitable is there any other bits that would be suitable for a cob with a thickish tongue ? Or does anyone have a horse who has a low palate, if so what bit do you use ?

Thanks for any help :)
 
My friend has a cob - thick tongue and I assume low palate. She uses a pelham (ported) for hers. I use a Myler comfort snaffle which is not jointed on my appy who has quite a fat tongue and low palate. I think anything with a lowish port should be, but I think anything with only one joint causes the nutcracker effect.
 
Bits

I had same problem, and have started using a french link hanging cheek snaffle - it has been great, also use a bitless bridle too. The combination has made my boy a lot more comfy. I also tried a Happy Mouth loose ring straight bar, but he didnt like it at all.
 
A slim mouth piece should be more comfortable than a thick one.
If you try a port, keep to a low one.
My horse has a thick(ish) tongue and a low palate, I ride her in a Myler loose ring french link, she seems comfortable in this bit, I've tried a lot of bits with her.:rolleyes:




What does that mean?
 
A slim mouth piece should be more comfortable than a thick one.
If you try a port, keep to a low one.
My horse has a thick(ish) tongue and a low palate, I ride her in a Myler loose ring french link, she seems comfortable in this bit, I've tried a lot of bits with her.:rolleyes:





What does that mean?

Was about to ask the same thing! is it simply bumping the post up?
 
My Andalusian has a low palate and huge tongue:eek: I use the Sprenger kk ultra snaffle 16mm which is nice and thin but not harsh as it fits nicely in his mouth and doesn't take up a lot of room. :)
 
i'm another whose lad has low palate and huge tongue, i also use an ultra kk after going through what felt like a bit bank:o most comfortable hes been with a bit:)
 
Nookster just pointed out to non horsey OH that its not just me who has been through the equivalent of a bit bank;)
 
I think you have it sussed already ruskii.

I low pallet would mean the need to avoid single jointed bits that can press on the roof of the mouth so easilly. If he has been in a single jointed one and has the habbit of raising his head when rein pressure is applied then it could be because he is trying to avoid this.

Mouthpieces to consider would be double jointed or multi-jointed ones or unjointed ones with no more than a low port. Of course there's always bitless :)
 
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