bit question.please help?

Here is a link to a webpage that explains the uses (and misuses) of different types of bits. It is a dressage website, but they cover just about every bit type out there in the article. It would be a good resource to educate yourself about different types of bit and help you choose one. It's www.sustainabledressage.com

Also you might want to see if you can borrow a couple different bits from friends and other people at your barn to try them out. Different horses prefer different types, and it could save you from spending money on a bit that ends up not working for you.

If your looking for a step up I would look at the billy allen or a shank snaffle. It's the perfect in-between. I wouldn't get a correction unless your horse needs it, that causes more problems than its worth. All our 2yr old futurity and non futurity bound reiners go into a shank snaffle or billy allen because they are a mild 'step up' bit. Many horses go in them forever. I wouldn't get a pelham, that's more of a hj/eq bit, and your horse doesn't need that.

Overall I would suggest the billy allen or shank snaffle, but don't change bits just for the heck of it. If your horse is soft and responsive in a hackamore, keep him in that. Don't fix it if it ain't broke.

How about getting him a flexy rubber straight bit? Or their proper name - un-jointed rubber snaffle. They are very soft, won't hit the pallet of the horses mouth and are pretty easy to get into the horses mouth. It is also great for sensitive horses.

The ones you are looking at getting all have that upward curve in the middle, which is actually quite harsh if not used correctly. It will press against the roof of your horse's mouth, and could potentially be painful for him.

If you are going from a hackamore to one of those bits - I think you'll encounter problems.

It would help to know why you need to change to a bit. If he is going well in the mild mechanical hackamore, then why not keep him in it? It is milder than any of the bits you are considering, and if you change the curb chain to a leather curb strap, it will be that much more mild. Unless there is good reason the change to a bit, i would stay with what you have.

Go with this one

http://www.horse.com/item/np-low-port-we%E2%80%A6

The other ones have the piece in the middle that can turn and it can pinch your horses tongue. And the ones that have the big bump tend to be very sensitive (responsive), and when you want to have a soft bit you want one that is not so reactive (sensitive).

Just go with a regular english d ring snaffle

There is a bit that is made of rubber. its softer and very flexible my horse was responsive in it here is a link of it:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.hor...

I would just stick with the bit you have now...

i dnt like any of them....stay with the Hackamoor.