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Re: [RC] [RC] Bitting, shallow mouth - Michelle Fink

Hi Deby,

One of my geldings who has a shallow mouth would stick his tongue over the
bit.  I tried every mild bit I could think of, eg. eggbutt french link, full
cheek mullen, low port curb (kimberwick), roller bit, Myler snaffle, etc.

Finally tried a cheap thin little copper loose ring snaffle and he was happy
in it!  It was the last thing I would have thought to try on him - the mouth
is thin enough that I consider it too severe - but for him a thin bit was
more comfortable.   The loose ring style also made him happier than a fixed
cheek bit.  After he had been in that for several months, I switched bits to
a french link and currently he is in a Myler - one of the triple barrel
mullens with a fixed cheek.

My point is simply that you may have to try lots of different bits before
you find the one that your horse accepts and is happy in, and it may not be
the 'mildest' bit or one that you prefer to use.  In the end, it may not be
the bit that most shallow mouth horses like, either.

Happy Trails,
Michelle
(Colorado)

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Prudence and focus will carry you a long way on a horse. 
~  Frank Solano

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