Is this bit too harsh?

Question

I have a very-well trained 23 yr old TB gelding who uses a bit that looks like that (hollow-mouth eggbutt snaffle)

http://www.discountsaddleryshop.co.uk/images/german hollow mouth eggbutt.jpg

is that too harsh?

Answer 1

the best bit you can use for a well trained horse is a happy mouth bit! they have rubber on them so that they are easier on your horse. these would be the best for you:

http://www.doversaddlery.com/happy-mouth...

http://www.doversaddlery.com/happy-mouth...

http://www.doversaddlery.com/happy-mouth...

good luck!!!

Answer 2

link doesnt worrk

Answer 3

NO it should be fine.

Answer 4

That isn't harsh at all, if you want it any softer you'll be riding in a head collar.

Answer 5

no, but I usually prefer a French link, its even softer as it doesn't have the nutcracker action a snaffle does.  

Answer 6

This is a great bit to use on your horse! This bit is never to harsh, if you wanna go softer though, use a french link.

Answer 7

Couldn't open your link, but a hollow mouth eggbutt snaffle is generally a mild bit, however, if it's thick in diameter, you need to examine your horse's mouth to see if there's enough space when her jaw is closed to accommodate the thickness of the mouthpieces (esp the space between the bars in the interdental space, also the depth of the palate).  Thicker isn't always gentler in that it can be very uncomfortable for a horse with a small mouth, so to speak.  If you really want mild, try a french link whose mouth pieces are fairly thin, and stainless steel or copper overlay or alloy.  Some of the new ergonomically designed bits (Mmylar, Mikmar, etc.) are probably great for sensitive horses, though I've had good results with the french links or Cook's bitless bridle.

The short answer is, if your mare is going well and seems happy in the bit your using, stick with it.  "If it aint broke . . . . "

Edit:  As I said, a French link is one of the mildest bits.  Personally I like a full cheek, with a copper alloy mouthpiece.

Answer 8

the second one looks the best

Answer 9

Nope not harsh at all. I used that same bit with my 25 year old QH gelding. I can't ride him anymore though :( he is too old.

Have fun riding!

Answer 10

That isn't such a harsh bit at all.  Look for a sweet iron/copper inlay snaffle. Korsteel with the curved bit is really easy.  Or if you think he is really mouthsore, you can go with a snaffle with a rubber covering.  

Answer 11

it is not harsh

Answer 12

nope...looks great but i would prefer it to be french linked so it doesnt hit the soft pallate of your horses mouth.

Answer 13

that bit is alright, but if you want to go softer there are a few others you can try. like many people said, you can try a french link. but another thing you can try is whats called a Happy Mouth bit. it is a rubber-coated mouthpeice that has an apple flavoring. it is available in a variety of styles; i would recommend a french link, a mullen (curved bar) mouthpeice, or a regular snaffle. and bitless is always an option! =]