Bits/green horses

[TBgirl]

Just a question out of curiosity. For the other english riders...what bits do you use when working with green horses? I have always loved my plain old eggbutt snaffle. I've used it on the majority of my horses. I also have a full-cheek eggbutt, and a D-ring french link. Ofcourse I am not talking about horses just starting training...I mean horses that have been tacked, ridden, etc. but still need finishing?

So what bit do you guys generally use? I know sometimes you have to try different bits for different horses. I haven't had a horse yet that didn't seem to like my plain old eggbutt...

[Cat]

I'm confused. I thought eggbutt snaffle was a seperate bit than a D-ring which is different than a full cheek. I've never heard of a D-ring eggbutt?

Either english or western a simple snaffle of some sort is the best starting bit. Now a horse that has the basics, but still needs finishing - well that depends on the horse and what you are doing. For arena work you should still be able to use a snaffle. Some horses will prefer a french link to a single jointed, etc, but they are still snaffles. However, out on the trail...that may be a different story as we have discussed in other threads.

[TBgirl]

Cat- Sorry for being confusing lol. Yes I did mean just a plain old eggbutt..not D ring.

[Maggiepie121493]

I use a D ring snaffle with copper rollers on it for my greenie. He seems to like it and it's not too harsh on him. If he happens to have a snatch of hay in his mouth though, he drools green slime :P

[FredRock]

I use a plain old D ring snaffle. I think the one I have might actually be a "western" style snaffle, though. The Ds are a lot bigger than any "english" ones I've seen. My mare loves it though.

[HeartofSteel]

I use a KK Ultra Loose Ring which is similar to a french link snaffle but the middle joint is shortened and rotated so it fits in there mouth better. There are super nice bits, really spendy but very nice.

[cloedoll]

I use a d-ring french link with Cloe, works great for her! :)

[zoel_222]

I use an eggbutt snaffle. It's just a good all around bit. I ride Auda in it right now who is fairly green and she does really well.

[quest]

I use a loose ring kk ultra with Quest, and a D ring with Twilight. I just use the D ring with her because that is what I had :) Both of them are three piece. Absolutely LOVE Quest's bit and he likes it too. It was expensive, but well worth the money. The most important thing is that the bit fits properly and doesn't pinch. If you have a loose ring, it is a good idea to have a chin strap

[Palogal]

Some variety of snaffle depending on which on I have on me! Usually I have a D-ring.

[Fork]

Seems to be nearly unanimously D-ring. :)

[natisha]

Can I play too? I train, school & ride mainly with snaffles but I'm a western rider.:D

[HobbyHorse101]

Lets see, all mine go in snaffles for the majority.
Eddy (Hunter/Eq) Needs a Full cheek in the Eq. ring, a Loose ring for Dressage, and a D ring out Fox Hunting Xcountry and showing hunters. (I know its odd he needs a stronger bit in the ring than out)
Legacy (Greenie) Goes in a Loose ring smooth mouth for Dressage, and a D ring for everything else.
Molly (Everything) Loose ring for Jumpers, XCountry, and Dressage, Kimberwicke for Eq. and Pleasure, D ring for Games, and she has a western shanked snaffle for trail and horsemanship.
Splash (Hunter) Pelham currently as I am waiting for my Segunda D ring to come in it has a port which works quite nicely when the paint pony doesn't want to listen by putting more pressure on the bars of his mouth rather than the nut cracker action of a normal snaffle which he can not stand.
Twister (OTTB/Eventer/Jumper) Loose ring on the long lines and dressage, D ring out fox hunting and Xcountry, we haven't decided loose ring or full cheek for Jumpers.