Hi, I just took a short trail ride on our new 4 yr old qh mare. I used a tom thumb because that is what I have always used, and she did just fine in it, but from what I understand it is not a very good bit. Can anyone suggest a good bit for her. She is calm and easygoing and very sensible, just want something better, and she will be used just for recreational trail riding. thank you..patti
If your horse is happy in a TT, then that is all that matters. I don't like the TT, but I ride with direct reining, not neck reining, thus I want a bit that acts laterelly with simplicity and clarity. Becuase the TT has a curb strap or chain, then when you pull laterally you do not send a clear, one sided message; it tends to be a more general message.
However, if you neck rein one handed, then they are ok, I guess.
A plain old eggbut snaffle of either single or double joint is my choice.
Depends on whether the horse has been ridden with a curb in the past, and what its prior training is. My general recommendations can be found in the link in my signature.
I agree with Bubba with trying to use the same bit that she is used to. It's not wrong to change her bit but she would need some time to get used to it.
Personally, I would use a snaffle on a young, green horse. Then I switch them over to a double jointed curb bit. Also, I don't see anything wrong with a TT bit. Any bit can be bad in the wrong hands.
I used to use eggbutt or D-ring snaffles, but I've found that Fulmers are great for young horses. They are as soft as snaffles and will not pinch the side of their mouths. Like D-rings, they won't slide through the mouth.
Whichever the bit, the fatter it is the softer it is on your horse's mouth when you pull on it. Hope this helps!
I used to use eggbutt or D-ring snaffles, but I've found that Fulmers are great for young horses. They are as soft as snaffles and will not pinch the side of their mouths. Like D-rings, they won't slide through the mouth.
Whichever the bit, the fatter it is the softer it is on your horse's mouth when you pull on it. Hope this helps!
The problem with using a fatter bit is that they can resist the bit easier. It can be softer on their mouth but it can make their mouths harder. Posted via Mobile Device
Ok, now I have to move fast on getting a good bit suitable for her. Today I rode just over 5 miles and the bit caused a red spot on the corners of her mouth, is this caused by a bit too small for her. She was such a good girl, did not know anything was wrong until I took it off of her. I see some I think that some of you suggested. Thanks!
Too small--too narrow? Does she have a tiny mouth? Or is it possible that she has extra sensitive skin, or you were heavier-handed than you realized, or that the bit has a rough spot?
Bubba, I guess it could be any of these you mentoned. She really is very soft in the mouth and the tt is the one I used on my gelding before he bowed his tendon running in the pasture last September then got struck last week by indirect lightning. Anyways I wrote all the choices this post gave me. i will get help from others at my barn to make sure the new one I end up getting fits. I also looked up to see "how to fit a bit", so we'll see. I really don't know that much about bits, obviously... thanks..
A friend at our barn has a big box of various bits and we tried many different ones including a myler, eggbuts, D ring and a Robart pinchless short shank snaffle bit 7' shank. That one was the one that worked with her the best. It has a curb chain which I guess she needed. The person helping me rode the mare also and said she was "packing" the Robarts so we ordered one from out local tack store for only $26.00 plus tax! Great deal..thanks again to all of you!
I prefer an eggbutt snaffle on most horses. I have one older horse that will not stop with a snaffle. I use a tom thumb for her. She has had many riders and is probably a bit hard mouthed. I once had a horse that had a very short mouth, and any broken bit would hurt his mouth. I used a cheap grazing curb bit on him. I don't like them for most horses because they are easy to use harshly.
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