tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post6561189022497684252..comments2024-01-06T02:00:05.220-07:00Comments on SprinklerBandits: Teach Me Tuesday: bits bits bits bits bitsSprinklerBandithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-24241195829610748442014-12-23T06:43:36.293-07:002014-12-23T06:43:36.293-07:00Loose ring french link snaffle (that you sent me!)...Loose ring french link snaffle (that you sent me!) for flatting, trainer's preference, and Connor goes well in it. But for jumping, I needed a little more leverage and a bit that would encourage him to carry his head higher and look for the fences, a bit that would say "we are not doing Dressage right now, bro". So we're in a 3 ring french link elevator.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04292565760924146966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-54091810122062297242014-12-22T21:01:26.462-07:002014-12-22T21:01:26.462-07:00A plain dee for miss Ellie. I am dying for a tom b...A plain dee for miss Ellie. I am dying for a tom balding bit- http://tombalding.com/products/bits/snaffle-bits.htmlWilbur, Ellie, and Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08620148609694352994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-80532996037972194622014-12-21T18:19:52.929-07:002014-12-21T18:19:52.929-07:00Dang I should have begged a bit off of you when I ...Dang I should have begged a bit off of you when I figured out Chrome's was too small for him. I started him out in a D-ring snaffle this year but he hated it, so now I'm trying a French link. That's as far as we've gotten on our bit journey so far since the first two years I rode him bitless. :)Achieve1dreamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15401246064499148344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-66639574342003085882014-12-18T20:15:48.661-07:002014-12-18T20:15:48.661-07:00I change bits quite often, William goes in the Hap...I change bits quite often, William goes in the Happy mouth Mullen mouth and Penny uses that for jumping too. Parker goes in a very fat Stubben full cheek and I am still searching for the perfect bit for Penny. Right now we are trying the MB01 Myler and it seems to be working. Its gentle in the mouth but strong which I need for her because she is one strong lady.Boss Mare Eventinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08039910692009593158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-30029050947420209742014-12-17T19:22:43.099-07:002014-12-17T19:22:43.099-07:00Wow I'm really glad I DIDNT do my WDW on bits ...Wow I'm really glad I DIDNT do my WDW on bits *crying laughing emoji*<br />sidenote, you have an impressive collection of bits.Checkmark115https://www.blogger.com/profile/08875106264738444238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-63789406438001936222014-12-16T20:15:34.602-07:002014-12-16T20:15:34.602-07:00Rico's snaffle was just any old snaffle laying...Rico's snaffle was just any old snaffle laying around. I randomly changed it to see what would happen and nothing, if it's a snaffle, he goes the same in it. So I usually used a single jointed german silver loose ring snaffle because it was one of my few loose rings and I liked the way it looked best.<br /><br />For his double, he went in a mullen mouth short shanked wheymouth and a french link loose ring bradoon, both stainless steel because they were cheap. He doesn't need much in terms of bit and I actually liked having something in the double bridle to hold onto rather than him being hypersensitive to it. Meganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04255900012774193536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-14777825484789203792014-12-16T19:27:22.357-07:002014-12-16T19:27:22.357-07:00First, the bit must be legal - no point getting at...First, the bit must be legal - no point getting attached to something that I can't show in. After that, I choose my bits based on what seems to work. Both of my horses go in an eggbutt with a lozenge mouthpiece. One is the Mikmar lozenge and the other is a JP Korsteel lozenge bit. The Mikamar is a little bigger and has slightly different metals, but essentially, they're the same bit. It is steady in the mouth, wraps around the bars in a curve to provide at least some tongue relief, and it doesn't pinch their lips or whack their palate. And since neither is too fussy about it, it's what I use.Bakersfield Dressagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05571487914424695283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-26520472582816133312014-12-16T18:39:42.285-07:002014-12-16T18:39:42.285-07:00I'm new to this whole horse-ownership thing so...I'm new to this whole horse-ownership thing so I do a combo of personal research and what my trainer tells me to do. We found out early on that Murray couldn't stand the feeling of the single-jointed snaffle in his mouth when dressaging, so switched to a french link early on. I hated the instability of the loose ring, bought him an eggbutt with a bead that he struggled with because it was too fat, and now we're onto a thinner D-ring with a wafer in the middle. Works great, but I'm considering changing to a Stubben EZ Control (french link with a bead in the middle that locks into a Mullen in the right position). I kinda want to do this because I know it's a soft bit, and kinda because M can be fussy even with a very soft rider's hands, so maybe he needs something a little steadier in his mouth. Not sure.<br /><br />I rode in the same eggbutt French link with a bead for jumping until June. In June, M's pulling/bolting with his head down became intolerable and we switched to a loop gag for a little bit of head-lifting action. This has worked wonders, and while my trainer has suggested at times that we might need to move to a 2-ring elevator, we've managed to stop the pulling with some riding changes on my part so in the loop gag we stay.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-61472514238486725042014-12-16T17:57:18.047-07:002014-12-16T17:57:18.047-07:00I use a narrow-bodied D-ring snaffle on Apollo bec...I use a narrow-bodied D-ring snaffle on Apollo because it discourages his hanging on the bit without being at all harsh. He doesn't need any more bit than that, but the fat-bodied snaffles were too easy to lean on. The D-ring I chose because it gives a teeny bit of lateral support/reinforcement, because it doesn't pinch like a loose ring might, and because I think it looks better than an eggbutt.<br /><br />I have in the past used Happy Mouth snaffles both single and double jointed, mullen mouth bits on Rev, et cetera. I'm quite happy with the simple narrow D-ring. Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12717721719853988310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-82477158307312161882014-12-16T17:30:23.545-07:002014-12-16T17:30:23.545-07:00I follow "simple is best" theory for all...I follow "simple is best" theory for all my tack choices; so I've always ridden in snaffles. However, I did discover that due to the insanely fat tongue my horse has the Eggbutt French link snaffle with a lozenge was completely the wrong choice for him. He didn't act out or object, but he certainly wasn't as comfortable as he could have been and was very heavy in hand. <br /><br />I switched him to a Myler Loose Ring Barrel Jointed Snaffle, and he really likes it. He was softer and lighter immediately with that bit because the shaping allowed room for his tongue, the thinner bit fit in more comfortably and the loose rings stopped him from leaning. I was very happy with the results from switching to this bit. :) <br /><br />bonita of <a href="http://www.aridinghabit.blogspot.com.au/" rel="nofollow">A Riding Habit</a> Lavender and Twillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06331125027969557539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-50066389215498035862014-12-16T16:40:18.429-07:002014-12-16T16:40:18.429-07:00I've always just played around until I found o...I've always just played around until I found one my horse liked. Miles came in a hunter gag and goes in a Single-jointed D ring happy mouth. While he seems to like that one best, you could really probably ride him in anything hahaAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14443209253064570063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-72465663311805349402014-12-16T16:34:00.382-07:002014-12-16T16:34:00.382-07:00I ride almost every horse I train in a double join...I ride almost every horse I train in a double jointed, full cheek snaffle to start. I like the soft mouth piece, and I like the full cheeks for lateral leverage in case of problems. When I get a choice, I compete in an s-hack instead of a bit so the horse can eat and drink uninhibited. The s-hack gives me a great bit of control without being harsh on the horse. Domhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00139769676714813261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-40062741682090833572014-12-16T14:04:11.935-07:002014-12-16T14:04:11.935-07:00I use a mechanical leather nosed hack - not techni...I use a mechanical leather nosed hack - not technically a bit I suppose but oh well. Red has had some bad past experiences with bits so we go bitless, and he loves that hack the most and works best in it. :) Kalinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11011912207459834938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-14932115966179239502014-12-16T13:51:47.730-07:002014-12-16T13:51:47.730-07:00If I could just ride in my western D snaffle bit f...If I could just ride in my western D snaffle bit forever I would but sometimes you need to change it up. It depends what I'm doing. If I want a little more contact, I use a softer big like my KK Loose Ring French-Link or my 3-piece Happy Mouth (which is my favorite). Sometimes I use a Myler D Level-1 too especially because it fits perfect with his Micklem bridle. I'm huge on don't change a good thing, but I want to keep B's attention and him versatile so he's never put in a situation where someone throws something in his mouth and he has a meltdown. Hell... I'd rather just ride in a side-pull or a halter, but that's not so good in the show ring. Tried a Mullen Happy Mouth for kicks once... It was a no go.Madeline C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14246076712179468308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-7333323957308524712014-12-16T13:01:27.842-07:002014-12-16T13:01:27.842-07:00My horses usually tell me, and I tend to ascribe t...My horses usually tell me, and I tend to ascribe to the KISS principle. My two TB's like the lozenge bits (KK style) but with eggbutt rings. They seem to prefer the stability of a solid ring connection. I tried Chance in a lozenge but he didn't seem as happy as he is in a plain fulmer snaffle with fixed rings. I find the loose ring bits move around too much in the horse's mouths. Some people like that, I don't. I prefer a steadier connection. Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10029423500476995817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-57996861405437462202014-12-16T12:40:48.291-07:002014-12-16T12:40:48.291-07:00HS KK Ultra loose ring ... gotta have the doubled ...HS KK Ultra loose ring ... gotta have the doubled joint for the narrow tb palette. Eli and a previous, similar horse both seem most comfortable in it--no more head flipping when I touch the reins. Karen Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15295452483316864595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-52962991605799839332014-12-16T11:26:58.853-07:002014-12-16T11:26:58.853-07:00Mia hates french links, which is funny because it ...Mia hates french links, which is funny because it is the majority of what I own. TWH and Appy go in a loose ring french snaffle for dressage, TWH jumps in a short shank hack. Appy jumps in a loose ring slow twist because he forgets how to listen half of the time, not that he gets to jump much anymore. Mia loves her copper eggbutts but our current instructor is having us try a loose ring single joint snaffle and she is going okay enough in it. Started her in a copper full cheek which she loved but I hated. Have a kimberwicke with copper inlays as a backup in case Mia needs it but I don't think she will. Oh the bits!appydoesdressagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03247747981543003242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-52467064951553304042014-12-16T10:32:50.924-07:002014-12-16T10:32:50.924-07:00For years I've used an eggbutt french link, wi...For years I've used an eggbutt french link, with the idea of using the softest bit possible and only increasing severity if needed. Lately though I've been playing around with options (loose ring, happy mouth, etc) to see if Hemie has a preference. Hadn't had problems with the eggbutt french link, but think experimentation is good. Wish I had access to a bit collection like yours so I can try out all.the.bits! =)Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15925650148327532110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-28411696936654084272014-12-16T10:18:34.860-07:002014-12-16T10:18:34.860-07:00I admit I was largely ignorant of bits and their p...I admit I was largely ignorant of bits and their purposes. I leased for 5+ years, and rode in whatever tack was provided for said horse.<br /><br />When I purchased Boca, I though a single-joint snaffle was the kindest go-to bit. Turns out, Boca HATES single jointed bits and actually flipped over repeatedly trying to get away from it (on the lunge line, not under saddle, thank God).<br /><br />Right now he seems happy in a french link Happy Mouth D.Shaunahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17348396578251983461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-15002479532065491562014-12-16T09:45:29.699-07:002014-12-16T09:45:29.699-07:00Bobby liked his HM french link dee for two years b...Bobby liked his HM french link dee for two years before deciding he hated it and started clenching his jaw and/or gnawing on it any given ride. <br /><br />So I went back to my bit box to try a few different choices. He finally decided he likes a thin, single jointed racing dee. I don't know why, but it makes him very happy. That's how I chose my bit. Carlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17308477892024999793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-11012025765416811362014-12-16T09:13:37.476-07:002014-12-16T09:13:37.476-07:00I use a Myler Comfort Snaffle D ring for flatting ...I use a Myler Comfort Snaffle D ring for flatting and some jumping. My step up bit is a Triangle (also called knife edge which sounds really awful) D ring snaffle. I've tried way more, but he seems to do well with those two so I stick to them.Lauren @ She Moved To Texashttp://www.shemovedtotexas.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-702028832176324012014-12-16T09:03:47.748-07:002014-12-16T09:03:47.748-07:00I use whatever bit I need for my red beast to not ...I use whatever bit I need for my red beast to not kill me.<br /><br />Ok well maybe there's slightly more than that, but the whole "this helps her not kill me" part is the biggest one. Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15902291220984883182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-49574955148857833822014-12-16T09:02:53.719-07:002014-12-16T09:02:53.719-07:00For years and years I rode Moe in a single-jointed...For years and years I rode Moe in a single-jointed D-ring snaffle. That was the bit his former owner rode him in and it always worked just fine. If I needed a little extra on XC or stadium, I rode him in the D-ring with a flash noseband. A few years ago, his bit and bridle mysteriously disappeared from the tack room, so these days he's going in a French link eggbutt snaffle. He goes about the same as he did in the D-ring.<br /><br />Gina came with the aforementioned French link eggbutt snaffle. She liked it okay, but my dressage trainer suggested I try her French link loose ring because every horse she'd ever met when better in it. Gina REALLY likes that bit, so I bought one, and that's what she goes in, regardless of what we're doing. <br /><br />The only other bit I own is a copper roller D-ring- I'm not even sure where it came from! I am not an adventurous bit person. :PStephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07140631127593549541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-15909485584724746282014-12-16T09:00:27.293-07:002014-12-16T09:00:27.293-07:00As I'm sure you've read on my blog, I'...As I'm sure you've read on my blog, I've gone through a ton of bits for Fiction. We settled on a dressage bit a long time ago - myler loose ring french link that is super thin. He can't handle double jointed bits or thick bits because of how his mouth is configured. As for cross country and jumping....we're still working on that. He seems to do well in a hackamore, so I'm trying out a combo hackmore + bit bridle that I concocted myself with the french link as his steering and the hackamore for the 'stop' I need. I would look into combo bits, but I can't seem to find any with mouthpieces I want. All the myler ones have rollers and those cut his tongue :(Hawkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05303236534507171227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-88541867212447994852014-12-16T08:46:18.511-07:002014-12-16T08:46:18.511-07:00I use a full cheek snaffle because my boy needs fi...I use a full cheek snaffle because my boy needs firm direction. I started him in a Kimberwicke since he was formerly western and used a curb chain. I quickly realized he didn't need it- he has a solid head and basically no spook. I had an eggbutt snaffle but felt like he needed clearer steering signals from me. Tried a full cheek- loved it, and 6 years later we are still in it.Juleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04735367422662554999noreply@blogger.com