Driving bits questions

[lucydales]

What type of driving bit does everyone use and what are their relative merits/disadvantages??

I got a butterfly bit for Amy to try (we have been using a riding snaffle to date) which improved stopping but is a bit too small. I also have a Liverpool to try, but don't know which way round it should go! Durr!! It has a ridged side and a smooth side, and I want use the one that's the most gentle. Which way should it go??!

Thanks in advance. ;D

[clara]

Good question I think the riged side should face the back of the mouth but don't quote me as I I don't use a traditional liverpool. The butterfly bit is great although traditonalists would say it is a small pony bit.
I use a Nathe plastic, forward ported, fixed liverpool. Sporty has a very responsive mouth and didn't like metalic bits. It also has special hooks for the curb which don't create pressure points I am toying with the idea of a curb gard. He has gone well in it since day one. I think this is because it gives lots of room for the tongue with the forward port, the light but still thick mouthpiece so not too severe. He is really forward going so I have the dilema of keepin g control but still wanting him working into the bridle i.e he must be happy to accept the bit and not back off too much. I also use a flash noseband sometimes as he can open his mouth and stop listening.
Before I used the Nathe I used a hanging cheek snaffle which he was great in but I found that there wasn't quite enough control when he was on his toes. If you like jointed ones the Wilson snaffle is a traditional trade bit.

[The Moo]

I used alow ported army reversible bit for a big hunter type mare that I used to drive, she seemed to be quite easy to stop and steer in that (especially when showjumping!)
I have been longreing Cherry in a jointed liverpool with no curb chain and she seems to be quite happy in that though she gets really mouthy in a jointed snaffle when ridden so at the moment I am trying figure out the different action between the two. Maybe she has just got into the habit of being mouthy in the snaffle in an open bridle and the closed bridle is different so the habit doesn't kick in

I had assumed that with the straight bar liverpools that the smooth side on the tongue was the more gentle way of using it but I have never actually used one as OH made my first driving bit.

[Debbie]

Ehm?? I got lost on the butterfly bit...can anyone give me a link to show me what they look like?

[The Moo]

www.rideanddrive.co.uk/bitsuk/pages/pelham1.htm

[valerie n scout]

yes smooth side to the beasties tongue its milder that way x

[Debbie]

Thanks for the link That's a very mild looking bit

[harleydales]

Ithink you can use them either way round, depending on how coarse you want to be!!I would *hope* most people use them smooth side to the tongue.

So many ways to attach the reins to a Liverpool too!

I use a French Link Liverpool as Harley seems to prefer the French link to a 'normal' link.