Good training bits

I'm training a mare to the bit and just wondering what are good bits I use a eggbut snaffle sweet iron only one joint. I was thinking what bits are soft on the mouth and are comfy for the horse it's just for trails and norm riding.will think about any ideas oh and it's got to be cheaper than 80 bucks please help. I'm happy with my other bit but it's to small.

I've looked at these but what do you think no one at the horse shops have ever used one(rubber bits)heres link to pics under bits

Horse Supplies Direct online saddlery. Horse Wormers, Horse Supplies, Horse Rugs, First Aid, Saddlery & Supplements online.

cant see the pics what kinda bit is it?

It depends a lot on personal perference and the horse.

My young arabian cross gets ridden in an eggbut although it is just a s/s one, not too thin but not the fattest one either. He goes perfectly happy in it.

Another horse we have doesn't go kindly in anything but a fulmer bit properly fixed to the cheek pieces with the little leather keepers. (we even tried an unjointed bit and he didn't like it)

Is this them?

Rubber Bits

I use eggbutt french link. This one:

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product...&ids=141803952

It's way under $80, and it has copper in it, which cause salvation (and I can tell that ). I used it on both of my horses with western bridle, and now got one for english bridle too for my paint. They seem to prefer it over the sidepull.

I like any double jointed snaffle, egg butt or loose ring are my favorites. The double joint helps the bit lay flatter in the mouth, providing a clearer signal to the horse and it's more gentle on the mouth. I like french link or bean mouth middle links best.

A bit with copper or any mixed alloy metal will help softening the mouth, like sweet iron does. I have all SS bits right now, but have used bits with a copper roller center or copper inlays with good success in the past. It just depends on what your horse likes!

I am not a fan of rubber or plastic bits. They can be thick, which bothers some horses, and they can also be drying to the mouth. Some horses really like them though, so again, it just depends on the horse! .

Here is a post I made on a similar topic:

I will almost always recommend a double jointed bit over a single joint.. most (not all!) horses will prefer having a double joint than a single joint.

The difference will be in your horse's mouth conformation. But generally, in my experience, horses tend to like a double joint rather than a single joint.

A single joint acts on the tongue (crackerjack action), bars (sides of the mouth), and the palate (roof of the mouth). When you pick up a single joint bit, hold it by the middle on one finger - you will notice that the joint will protrude upwards.. when the reins are activated, this is the action it will have on the roof of the mouth.

A double jointed bit acts on the whole mouth. It has no crackerjack action, and uses tongue pressure as well as bar pressure when the reins are activated.

My Bucket analogy!!
Think of picking up a full bucket of water with various bits; the snaffle will pinch your hand on either side.
The french link/bean link/what have you will have a whole hand coverage, and will be much more comfortable.

The loose ring portion will not allow the horse to brace too much against the bit, which is a good thing. Very little lateral pressure. If the bit is even a little narrow, I recommend bit guards so the loose ring doesn't pinch the lips.

I am personally going to try a Myler bit on my gelding, I'm very excited to see the results.

Really - any snaffle - single or french linked that isn't too thin and is smooth (no twist) is a good bit to start with as long as it fits the horse comfortably.

You should not be pulling back on both reins on a snaffle - ever. Its meant to be direct riened with one active rein at a time. The reason for this is to avoid the nutcraker effect. If you pull back on both reins, yes - you will create a nutcraker effect and make the horse uncomforatable. But if you use it right, a single joined snaffle will work just fine for most horses. There are always exceptions (those with a low pallet or super thick tongue) but for the most part a single jointed snaffle is fine.

snaffle, rubber snaffle, or a fat twisted snaffle