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Bits, Bits and More Bits! (Looking for a new bit for my dressage horse)

3K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  equitate 
#1 ·
Hello! I am in search of a bit for my horse yet again. For the last year of dressage, I have been using a simple O-ring snaffle with 1 break in it. It has a thinner mouth piece, and I want to go for a thicker one. I want to be able to rely on a thinner mouth piece for days when he needs a little bit more.

I also am trying to get rid of the gag action of an O-ring, so I am looking into eggbutts. (which will also get rid of the pinching on the sides of his mouth).

I am also looking into a bit with 2 breaks in it to see if he would work happier in it, and to help avoid the nutcracker action in his mouth.

Here is a bit I am looking at:

Mikmar Cupreon Eggbutt Snaffle Bit with Ergom Lozenge | Dover Saddlery

Any other suggestions? Or sites where I can "lease" a bit to try?

Here is a video of my horse from last year so you can get an idea of what he needs:
Mikmar Cupreon Eggbutt Snaffle Bit with Ergom Lozenge | Dover Saddlery
 
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#2 ·
Right why exactly are you changing bit? if the horse is happy in it leave it.
You want to go for a thicker mouth piece but how is the horses mouth conformation? can she comfortably take a thicker bit without causing undue pressure and leaving ample room for her toungue.

I dont know who told you that but a O ring snaffle does NOT have any form of gag action what so ever
 
#3 ·
I said gag since in my mind I was comparing his reaction to how he reacts to his gag. My mistake. (He opens his mouth and leans on it).

I want to switch bits to find something he is happier with. He leans on the one I use now, and ignores my down transition cues.
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#4 ·
I said gag since in my mind I was comparing his reaction to how he reacts to his gag. My mistake. (He opens his mouth and leans on it).

I want to switch bits to find something he is happier with. He leans on the one I use now, and ignores my down transition cues.
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This sounds like more of a training issue than a bit issue. Changing from one snaffle to another won't help with these issues, and I wouldn't recommend "bitting up".

That said, I'm all for trying something different to see if your horse prefers something different. However, I would not recommend purchasing a $90 bit just to see. I personally use this bit: JP Korsteel Oval Mouth Eggbutt Snaffle Bit | Dover Saddlery Try asking other horse people and folks around the barn with double jointed snaffles if you can borrow their bits to try on your horse.
 
#6 ·
There is a two-jointed snaffle made by Horse & More in association with Herm Sprenger, and it's only $40 at Dover. There are also Korsteel versions of this bit, although I thought the middle link was larger. What I'm trying to say, is you can go cheaper than the Mikmar, although I think it's a perfectly fine bit too. The H&M bit is surprisingly nice for $40. Mary's Tack will let you take Herm Sprenger bits out on trial, but I don't know that you were looking for a $200 bit.
 
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