Waterfords, hanging cheeks and micklems?

[QUOTE=Scratch N Dent;7733919]
I have one beris (http://www.thehorsebitshop.co.uk/product.php?xProd=653) and one bombers blue (http://www.bombers.co.za/bits-by-colour-code/sensitive-tongue-a-head-shakers/bomber-blue/product/2859-dee-bomber-blue.html).[/QUOTE]

Ah, many thanks!

I have a fat-tongued, now-palleted, fussy gelding who goes really well in a double jointed baucher. He tends to get a bit panicky in a solid mouthpiece, and a single joint is too harsh for him. I love the baucher because it holds the mouthpiece nice and stable for him, giving him some room for his tongue, as well as having a stable cheekpiece and a bit of help with steering as well.

I actually have a 5.5" (fits more like a 5.75 as it was a touch wide for my guy who is a true 5.5 mouth) french link baucher that I no longer use (replaced it with a Stubben lozenge link baucher. I prefer the feel I get with the lozenge link vs the flat french link) that I’d be happy to pass on to a COTHer in need. I had a COTHer help me out when I was in need of a specific type of girth, and I’d love to pay it forward :slight_smile:

I think the problems of the OP sound much more like training problems, as others have already mentioned.

Study and learn about the effects of various bits instead of just trying everything available - while comfort for the horse is important, the simpler the better, and learning how different bits act on a horse and fit your horse is important.

I have one horse who hides and ducks behind most bits the Waterford is the only one he will take hold of. Very different then most people’s experience. I have also tried the micklem bridle on two different, very sensitive horses and they both hated it. I live in hope that some horse, some day will love it. I have had very good luck with mulen mouths. Sensitive horses seem to love them.

Neue schule makes nice bits in larger sizes, including a solid selection of various mouth and cheek pieces. They are also available on trial here:

http://www.horsebitbank.com/waterford-loose-ring-14mm-567.phtml