What bits?!

I own six lozenge snaffles for two bridles. I have two larger ones which were the kind recommended by my current horse's previous owner, but I decided after a week or two they were too heavy in his mouth (I can't remember what metal, they are a yellow/bronze color). The ones I use now are lighter, slightly narrower but still a lot thicker compared to the thin snaffles, and made of german silver. My horse seems to do well with these. The other two bits I don't use anymore were from my first horse, they are the lighter german silver kind but my current horse's mouth is too wide for them, although they fit my first horse perfectly. So basically, I have two working bits. All my snaffles are loose ring. I consider my bits to be very mild, or at least they are very mild in my hands.

The two bits I am using now look almost exactly like this: http://cotswoldsport.co.uk/shop/imag...ilvlozsnaf.jpg

Straight bar eggbut snaffle.
Started and still ridden sometimes with a riding cavesson.
mech hackamore/sidepull combination.
Halter.
Rarely a spanish curb, together with a muserola (riding cavesson).
Whatever I feel like ;)

I go between a TWH bit and mullen pelham. Occasionally a C curb.

I use a Robarts Walker bit.

I do as well. It's very similar to the Brenda Imus "Comfort" bit, and my horse goes very well in it, but it is much less expensive than the one Imus sells. Actually, I used to have the Imus bit and used it for a couple of years, but the center of the mouthpiece began to separate at the joint between the steel and the copper ball. Not just a little, but enough to make me concerned that it would cause pinching on my horse's tongue or that the bit could just fall apart while I was riding.

I learned (from reading messages posted on Brenda Imus' own message board) that other people were having the same issue. I chimed in with my own experience and was surprised (and disappointed) to see Brenda's response to the comments. She stated that horses are "notoriously hard" on equipment and that getting a couple of years out of a bit was perfectly reasonable. . .that we'd gotten our money's worth.

That was when I realized how much she markets herself (and her products) to people who don't have a lot of background in horses or riding, because they would most likely accept her claim that a $70 bit should only be expected to last a couple of years before breaking down and needing to be replaced. However, I'm not new to horses and I certainly expect a longer life out of a bit in that price range. . .I said the same on her message board, and soon after that my comments (as well as comments by other not-so-satisfied customers) were deleted by her.

Not long after, National Bridle Shop offered to replace the Imus bits for a "reduced" cost of $40. Fortunately, by that time I had learned about the Robarts bit. . .and ordered two of them.

Will never purchase an Imus product again. . .more disappointed with her attitude than anything else. . .

i use a twisted wire snaffle, just a plain twist. She needs that little extra "umph". She doesnt mind it at all, and its pretty good in my hands, I think.

I have a lot of different horses so I have a lot of different bits but mostly I use a snaffle, a bosal or a spade depending on the horse.

a thick egg butt french link snaffle - the less severe the better on my mare's mouth...she's just learning and so far has given me no reason to go more severe on her. She's learning just fine without it -- I can ride her in a halter with lead ropes just as well, and personally that's the way I want it!

french link, loose ring snaffle :)