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[sjharris53]

Just a quick update - after several rides with the shanked bit, I used a D ring snaffle, and noticed very little difference.  So far, I have only ridden by myself on trails.  Next weekend I will be taking him on our first group trail ride.  I have read here that some prefer shanked bits in those situations for a little more control.  Good idea to put him back in the shanked bit for the ride?

[Walkin45]

Yes

[OldnOrnery]

No way I'd necessarily listen to the owner. We all ride differently, we all have different hands and different training. I've found that it's a rare horse that only goes in one particular bit. It's an interaction of the rider's hands, the bit, and the horse. Multiple possibilities.

My mare's former owner,  who was a good rider and a good trainer, told me that any time my mare didn't respond to the bit properly, she just put her in a Wonder bit. It was a double twisted wire! I'm not that person. I fooled around and found a nice three piece snaffle the mare loves, has a little copper quarter moon in the center. She reaches for the bit and carries it and herself beautifully. When I want more control, I put her in a Myler ported kimberwicke.

[jn1022]

I ride my walker in an Imus Comfort Bit.  Robart has a bit just like it for half the price. 

[NoBite]

We all ride differently, we all have different hands and different training. I've found that it's a rare horse that only goes in one particular bit. It's an interaction of the rider's hands, the bit, and the horse. Multiple possibilities.

Excellent advice!