Can happy mouth bits snap or wear out ?

[rosie]

I have a happy mouth dutch gag and it seems to be more bendy than usual, its also discoloured which I imagine is normal ?

[blueali]

They have a flexible steel core so can't break but when the rubber gets worn its not comfy for the horse. Other than that it should be fine.

[rosie]

Thanks for that. Feel better knowing it cant break, but think I need a new one !

[xxx]

I tried to keep mine in them, but when the third got rubbed away gave up. I find the rubber gets worn too easy and it becomes uncomfy.

[rhillahorse]

I was told they can splinter if the horse chomps on it too much.

[Hannah]

Don't know about wearing out, but one of my horses chewed his way through one in 4 days, it got sharp so I threw it away

[Stella]

Have known a few horses chomp their way through the plastic on to the metal, & have seen many with chunks out of them. They get very sharp if that happens, so obviously need replacing, but I have never heared of one actually snapping.

[rosie]

May replace it with just a normal jointed dutch gag as I've had one of them in the past too. Can anyone tell me about the action of a french link, I see you can also get dutch gags with french link, or also a hanging cheek french link.

[blueali]

The french link puts more pressure on the tongue and less on the bars and doesn't have the 'nutcracker' action that can cause pressure on the roof of the mouth.

As someone said on another thread the dutch gag has a none to lots suddenly action when the loose ring slides are far as it can. A hanging cheek is milder as you don't have quite as much leverage.

[rosie]

My mare can be very strong at times. I know people will say I need to do more schooling with her ! I have had her 10 years, so know her well. Hoping to resume lessons soon after bad weather & christmas ! But in the meantime, like my hacking ! I need to know that I have some brakes if needed. I have tried a rubber pelham but she didnt like it and it seemed too thick in her mouth really.