What is the next type of bit for my horse?

Question

I have been using a twisted wire snaffle that is a loose-ring for my horse, I want to change it so I tryed a bit with a shank. With the shank he wont keep his head down. What is the next type of bit I should use for him? I was thinking just a smooth loose-ring?

Answer 1

The Turbo bits are some of the best around. They teach your horse how to correctly lift the shoulder and bring the head down. And they exert about 50% less pressure on the mouth than a regular bit. I like the shorty bits that they make to make a change from a snaffle to a shank bit with. And they are show legal. These are all we ride with in my barn. From the colts to the older horses. This is the link to their website, and if you would like to try one, I also sell these myself. Email me and I will send you one to try if I have it in stock.

http://www.dmproducts.net/DMLIFTER.html

Answer 2

Since he is used to a loose ring snaffle, try the smooth mouth instead of the twisted wire. You might find that he performs better with a less severe bit.

Answer 3

The two bits I usually use on all my horses is either a loose ring snaffle or a egg butt Dr. Bristol. See if your local tack shop has a bit trial program where you can borrow a bit and try it out without having to shell out the money for one that you don't know how your horse will react.

Answer 4

WOW...why does your horse need such a severe bit as a twisted snaffle???

Before this question can truely be answered, it needs to be known what you want your bit to do for your horse. Do you need your horse to stop better/quicker? Do you need better control in turns??

Bits with shanks are for better leverage on stopping. Bits with shanks for proper action need to have the use of a curb chain/strap under the chin and this can make horses not used to this throw their head because you are getting a quicker stopping action.
A snaffle bit with shanks doesn't act as a snaffle anymore. So if you need to continue with a snaffle, try a full cheek snaffle-no curb, a great basic bit for control in turns.

There is no proper answer for this question by just reading your question. The horse needs to be evaluated in person for proper fit to what bit is proper for the situation.

Seek a local trainer or other horse knowledgeable person in your area for proper advice in proper bit choices.

Answer 5

what we have done is use a regular snaffle bit and switch them over to a split bit long shank bit with a copper mouth piece. it resembles a tom thumb but has a longer shank. we have had good luck with it.

Answer 6

I have this exact same problem-I have been told to use a correction bit to prevent this but haven't tried it yet. I ,personally, am going to try to find a shorter shanked,low ported "correction" bit next.

Answer 7

I like this bit a lot:

https://shop.parellisecure.com/show_item.php?itemid=90277

Answer 8

i would say to use a plain streight metal bar because the two pieses that are attached in the middle can pinch ur horseys tongue.