Introducing the bit-advice please.

[gypsydales]

I feel Kizzy is ready to be introduced to a bit but which bit do you recommend and what is the best method to introduce it by? (there seems a lot of 'b's in there!) I would welcome any suggestions. I'm not in any hurry with her and I want to do things right but she seems keen and able. She is 2 years 7months old. Sheila

[harry11]

i'd try a happy mouth lozenge snaffle or a straight bar happy mouth.

[gypsydales]

Thankyou! Someone on here suggested a Mullen Happy Mouth...is that the same thing?

[SuzieP]

The Happy Mouth range all have the flexible mouthpieces. The mullen mouth snaffle has a gentler action than the jointed mouthpiece. It is even milder if it is made from a flexible, soft material - as the Happy Mouth bits are. The mullen mouth spreads pressure across the whole tongue and there is no "nutcracker" action as with a jointed snaffle. If you want a jointed snaffle but want to reduce the nutcracker action you could go for one with a French link - but make sure it's not a Dr Bristol which at a quick glance can look like a French link snaffle, but is actually more severe because the link is on an angle which presses on the tongue.

Here's a range to look at: www.rideaway.co.uk/Happy-Mouths/Default.aspx?gclid=CI7RqbHb0KYCFQgMfAodl1HpMw

This one would be my choice for a youngster if you want a straight bar: www.rideaway.co.uk/happy-mouth-full-cheek-straight-mouth-bit/default.aspx

[gypsydales]

Thank you for your replies...thats very helpful .

[harry11]

copper bits maybe an option as warmer in the mouth than stainless steel. Happy mouth ones are gr8 but watch they do not get chewed and cause sharp edges.

[SuzieP]

Yes, that is the drawback of Happy Mouth. Fortunately Bea doesn't chew his, but I do check it very regularly.

[felix]

i used a sweet iron fulmer as felix's first bit.i like sweet iron as encourages them to salivate.