There is potential for Toby to head back into the eventing world next year with a leaser. He is in LOVE with his full cheek Waterford and goes so well in it, but obviously can’t use it in the dressage ring. My instinct is to try him in a french link full cheek, but obviously it won’t have as much play as the Waterford does. I have plenty of bits, even after my selling a bunch this spring, including a few varieties of french link full cheeks, but does anyone know of a certain brand/type to look out for? Or have any suggestions that I haven’t thought of? Back in the day, he went in a loose ring, hollow mouth french link, and while it has a lot of play, I think it might have TOO much with the loose rings.
You might try something with a curved mouthpiece. He may like the waterford because it conforms to his mouth. Perhaps a myler French link or JP by Korsteel? I’m using a JP French link and my horses seem to prefer it over an old traditional KK.
I have a mare that I had been riding in a d-ring Waterford - and loved her in it. To be dressage legal, I’ve switched her to a baucher French-link. #59 on this link http://www.classicsaddlery.com/bits/bitsdewsbury.htm
I already had the baucher on hand, otherwise I would have gone with a d-ring. It’s working for us so far.
I’ve had good luck with the Stubben steeltec angled loose ring bit on horses like that. I am a huge fan of this bit now and ride almost everyone in it.
My old mare, who has a fat tongue and almost level palate, loved the Waterford, tolerated a JP French link for years. Then on a whim I tried a Myler D ring comfort snaffle on her, and it was The One.
