Full cheek snaffle with roller or keys?

A bosal would be a good idea, I didn't think about that either.
It would look really good on Aires too, if I do say so myself.

I'm going to have to look into the bosal idea. My only concern is finding one to fit him. His nose is huge (he got the draft head, so it's very deep from top to bottom).

*wanders off to research bosals and find a draft-sized one*
Posted via Mobile Device

Drafty, before you spend any money on a bit, you need to do some groundwork. Bridle him up with the eggbutt if it fits. Go toward his right shoulder and face it. Use your right pinky and put it in the ring of the bit. Ask him to bring his head around toward your hip. No more strength than what your pinky has hold. He is going to pull his head back and it may come only an inch. That's ok. You must let go so there is no pressure then repeat. You may have to do this 20-30 times before he will even meet you halfway or he may touch your hip with his nose after a few. When he does turn his head, even a little, when you let go of the bit, push his head so he's straight. The goal is that with light pressure he will bring his nose around and hold it at your hip for a few seconds before you push him back. Take the time to do this three or four times a day for the next few days. Do both sides. If you find after a few days that he is resistant, just repeat the exercise until he loosens up. What you are doing is unlocking his poll. When he is resistant to releasing it, that tension goes all the way to his heel.

Here's what I don't get about him, though. He'll flex to both sides just fine from the ground or the saddle. He's fine turning left with leg and rein. Turning right, though, he's a monster. He's okay if you use just leg, but it's always a gradual turn (like a very wide arc that takes half the arena). Add rein to it and he pops his mouth open and let's the bit slide through (even with a curb chain done up properly).
Posted via Mobile Device

With a wood block and some rawhide cream, bosals can be shaped to fit any horse. And if you don't think a bosal would work, get a snaffle with bigger rings. The heavier the bit, the more response. And if you get a large ring, weighted snaffle, he will have a hard time sliding it through his mouth. Chicks saddlery has some inexpensive ones that work great.

I, personally, don't like the bits with keys on them. From what I've seen, they seem to encourage the horse to be busy with the bit and, to me, that is a very undesirable vice.

French link full cheeks bits in 5.5" aren't terribly hard to find.
JP Korsteel French Link Full Cheek Snaffle Bit | Dover Saddlery

English Bit Full Cheek French Link Snaffle 5 5" | eBay

Dorado Full Cheek Copper Enriched Snaffle Bit with Lozenge New All Sizes | eBay

I was looking for one with a copper roller, though. I have found tons of ones that are regular French links.

Although, now that I really think about it, maybe copper isn't such a good idea. The snaffle we started Aires in was copper and he chewed the crap out of it...
Posted via Mobile Device

Yeah, those with the dogbone rollers are a lot more expensive. Don't know why though, they aren't much more expensive with a regular snaffle ring than normal snaffles.

Try putting your hand out to the side so that his neck, mouth and your hand form a 45* angle and try stroking the rein with your right pinky instead of pulling. If he gives at all, immediately loosen your rein for a few seconds. Here's something to try. Have a treat ready and instead of pulling on the rein, show him the treat so it's about midway and about a foot out from his neck. See if he'll reach for that and if he does make a cluck sound and give him the treat. Do this a a dozen times then pick up the rein and see if he will bring his head and and give him the treat. You are giving him a reason to not lock up. As he gets better continue to treat but not each time.

I'd try a bosal before I brought treats into the mix. Horses don't need treats, I've never seen them do any good, especially for riding problems, if anything the horse just needs miles, that's it. I just PMed you back about bosals Drafty.