[SilentPromises]

Hi all! I know I've posted today already with questions about a bit, but here's another! If you've had enough of me as it is, just ignore this

I'm in the market for a bit for my new horse, and want to buy the mildest and most comfortable bit that I can find for my boy

For some reason, I'm having a pretty tough time finding information on center roller snaffles. In my previous post, I was shown one of these and think they're just great--but I want to be sure. They are also not mentioned on the wonderful guide posted showing all of the different bits and such.

How mild is this bit? What about comfort?

If you have any other suggestions as to the mildest or most comfortable bits out there, please feel free to add that too Thanks!

 

[Lexiie]

Just a snaffle.

Although I get bored too, and I got a french link. Kinda like that, but all copper.
Snaffles can hit the roof of your horses mouth (depending on the mouth shape) french links prevent that
Google Image Result for http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/Upload/Images/Large/f7d622b9-5188-4666-85e9-8d1ab30f216b.jpg

 

[SilentPromises]

Snaffles can hit the roof of your horses mouth (depending on the mouth shape) french links prevent that

Thanks for your input

However, I have heard that french link can be a bit more harsh than a snaffle. I'm so confused about them!

However, looking at the roller bit, it seems very similar to a french link in that it is doubled jointed, but I can't see any way that the roller could be anything other than comfortable and entertaining, much less harsh. It also seems that it would prevent the snaffle turning into a V shape and stabbing the horse in the roof of the mouth. Am I correct in thinking this??

 

[kitten_Val]

However, I have heard that french link can be a bit more harsh than a snaffle. I'm so confused about them!

French link is so-called 3-link mouthpiece, I assume by "snaffle" you mean jointed mouthpiece. And yes, french link is a milder bit than jointed one. HOWEVER don't mistake it with Dr. Bristol (that looks similar, but is much harsher bit). French link, 3-link with roller (like you posted) and oval mouth are all about the same "harshness" (or mildness) -wise. Roller just keeps your horse occupied (which I don't like personally).

BTW, here is oval mouth my mares prefer the best: http://www.doversaddlery.com/jp-kor...bit/p/X1-010066/?ids=uqwoqz551mu24b45ygqrom55

And this is a resource you can read about different mouthpieces: http://www.horseforum.com/horse-tack-equipment/bit-information-snaffle-english-type-bits-36522/

 

[freia]

That's the bit I use on a horse. He loves it. I tried it on his stable-mate, and he hated it. The horse I use it on has a soft mouth, and a sweet disposition that's eager to please. He has no interest in fighting anything. He has a very sensitive, small mouth, and he far prefers a 3-piece snaffle to a single-joint snaffle. his stable-mate however, has a roomy mouth and far prefers a plain single-joint loose-ring. He seems confused and annoyed by the extra movement of the 3-piece snaffle.
As for different styles of French-links, I've never had a horse like the ones with the flat center-piece that much. They've all liked the copper roller or lozenge in the center.

 

[tinyliny]

that bit that Val showed is a very good bit.

 

[SilentPromises]

BTW, here is oval mouth my mares prefer the best: JP Korsteel Oval Mouth Copper Loose Ring Snaffle Bit | Dover Saddlery

I love the design of the mouthpiece, I'm just not a huge fan of loose rings...do you ever have trouble with them?

I really like the JP Korsteels' after looking into them just now...they seem really well designed and I bet I could find a used one, or at the price they are, buy a new one!

 

[kitten_Val]

I love the design of the mouthpiece, I'm just not a huge fan of loose rings...do you ever have trouble with them?

Oh, I only picked the one with loose rings because it was first in my search. I use eggbutt rings on my qh and loose rings on my paint, simply because they prefer it this way. This is eggbutt by Korsteel (but it's more pricey, I noticed eggbutts and D-rings are more expensive in general): JP Copper Oval Link Eggbutt Bit | Dover Saddlery I'm sure you can find used ones in your price range though.

 

[freia]

I love the design of the mouthpiece, I'm just not a huge fan of loose rings...do you ever have trouble with them?

Just use bit-guards with loose rings - no problem. Be aware that most of the cheap black bit-guards reek of old rubber tires. Smell them in person before buying them.

 

[kitten_Val]

Just use bit-guards with loose rings - no problem.

Freia, it's not just pinching for some horses. My qh absolutely hated all the movement those rings have, my paint likes it because it keeps her busy. You don't know until you try.

 

[SilentPromises]

JP Copper Oval Link Eggbutt Bit | Dover Saddlery I'm sure you can find used ones in your price range though.

Wow, I love this one! I'll check and see if I can find a used one!!

 

[verona1016]

My horse came with a roller snaffle just like the one in the OP. I only rode him in it a couple times before switching to an oval-link loose ring because the roller is not legal for showing in dressage.

I eventually switched him again to a KK Ultra 2-Type because I noticed that the loose ring was pinching and leaving the corners of his mouth red at the end of a ride. Probably not something I would have noticed if my horse wasn't so light colored...