Eggbut v loose link

[racaille]

Paco has managed to chomp through his nice rubber bit and I cannot replace it as it was a one-off. His bit less bridle is not comp legal here so I need a new bit for him.

He has been much happier in the rubber than in a metal bit (he has a wolf tooth) so I have been looking at the Feeling nylon bits. It seems the eggbut bits are easier for a horse to lean on (yes, you, Paco) but I am worried that the loose links will pinch and rondelles (the rubber ring thingies to stop pinching) are not dressage legal either.

Any thoughts?

[brigadier]

I like loose ring but they do pinch and I prefer them with rings- they are legal here I believe. Harriet goes lovely in a happy mouth straight bar (believe they are nylon) as she doesnt like a joint- Ive just managed to get her one with sides to avoid any chance of pinching.

[pboy]

Sadly they're not dressage legal here either! I have Indio in a loose ring (he tends to lean on the right side so I like to have as much 'play' as possible) and I've not had any issues with pinching despite him having fairly fleshy lips. It's probably quarter of an inch bigger than it should be, which may be helping. It's just a bog standard French link and not anything fancy.

[pboy]

Another thought if you are worried about pinching - you could try a fulmer snaffle.

[brigadier]

Thought they were legal........but well out of date so now know. Welly in them so will need to remove for tests!