>>> >> For those who use bits with their IceHorses, which bit do you use, >>> >> which bits seem to fit the interior structure of the Icelandic's >>> >> mouth (without relying on a noseband to keep the mouth closed).
We use a lot of double-jointed snaffles too, some with French link centers, and some with the peanut/oval middles. Melnir likes the three-piece Happy Mouths, but I mostly use stainless steel. I also have one of the mullen-mouth snaffles like the picture Wanda sent in - that's often the first bit we put in a horse's mouth. I also have a couple of mullen or low-port Kimberwickes, and some short-shanked mullen mouth Pelhams, but at the moment, I'm not using a Kimberwicke or Pelham on anyone. Saga seems to do better in a sidepull, but she's not too picky. I don't think the side-rings make too much difference - except that the full-cheeks can be weapon if your horse moves quickly, so they aren't my favorites. I guess I prefer d-ring or eggbutt bits, since they aren't as easy to pull through a horse's mouth during early flexing/bending training as is a loose-ring. (Of course, we try to teach the flexing/bending stuff first from the ground with a halter, so I don't really think that's a big deal. Plus you can always use a chin strap with a loose ring.) I also have several nasty bits that came with some of my first horses, as well as some bits I've bought in lots on ebay over the years. Sometimes bits look better in the catalogs than they do in person. I never use nosebands, but I'm a big fan of the halter/sidepull/bridle combinations, like the Moss Rock Freedom bridle and the Nicker's Saddlery Harmony Bridle. I like the convenience of being able to switch to a halter or sidepull while I'm out on the trail if a reason comes up. I have a thing about not leading a horse by the bit, so even if the bit is still in the horse's mouth and I have to get off, I move the rein snap to the halter ring. Anyway, I tend to be very much a "less is more" type when it comes to tack, especially bits. Karen Thomas, Nc
